Powerhouses Fayetteville State and Virginia State Headline 2026 CIAA Men's Basketball Tournament

BALTIMORE, MD. (February 21, 2026) – The CIAA, the nation's oldest HBCU Athletic Conference, announces the brackets for its 2026 Basketball Tournament. The single-elimination tournament will be held at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland, from Tuesday, February 24 through Saturday, February 28. Championship Saturday will feature the women's title game at 1:00 p.m. followed by the men's championship at 4:00 p.m.

The road to Baltimore produced another competitive regular season marked by tight divisional races, late-season statement wins, and strong performances across the conference. Virginia State enters the 2026 tournament as the Northern Division's top seed after another impressive conference campaign. The Trojans return to Baltimore looking to build on last year's championship run, when they captured the 2025 title with a 71 to 64 victory over Bluefield State in the championship game.

In the Southern Division, Fayetteville State claimed the No. 1 seed after an outstanding conference performance that included an undefeated record in divisional play. The Broncos reached last year's semifinal round before falling to eventual finalist Bluefield State and now return to the tournament field looking to advance further.

For the HBCU community, the CIAA Men's Basketball Tournament represents a celebration of Black excellence and the rich athletic tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. As the oldest HBCU conference in the nation, the CIAA has long been a source of pride and unity for alumni, students, and supporters across the country. This year's tournament promises to deliver another thrilling showcase of the talent, passion, and competitive spirit that defines HBCU basketball.

"The CIAA Tournament is more than just a basketball event – it's a cultural experience that brings the HBCU community together in a powerful way," said HBCUConnect.com Editor-in-Chief, Michael Frierson. "Fayetteville State and Virginia State have established themselves as perennial contenders, and their success on the court is a testament to the dedication and excellence of HBCU student-athletes. This tournament will undoubtedly be a must-watch event for anyone who bleeds HBCU pride."

Opening round play begins Tuesday, February 24 and continues Wednesday, February 25, followed by quarterfinal matchups on February 25 and 26. The semifinal round is set for Friday, February 27, with the men's championship tipping off Saturday, February 28 at 4:00 p.m.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.