2026 FOOD LION CIAA MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT RETURNS TO BALTIMORE, CELEBRATING HISTORY,
LEGACY AND BLACK EXCELLENCE
Written by: Traveya Brown
CHARLOTTE, NC — (Virtual Press Conference) January 27, 2026.
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) hosted a virtual press conference at 10 a.m. to formally announce that the organization is 27 days away from returning to Charm City for the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament, taking place February 24–28 at CFG Bank Arena.
Setting the stage for the announcement, Matisse Lee, Associate CIAA Commissioner of Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects/SWA, facilitated the virtual press conference. Participants included Jacqie McWilliams Parker, CIAA Commissioner; Mayor Brandon Scott; Dr. Dillard, President of Shaw University and CIAA Board Chair; Dr. Aminta Breaux, President of Bowie State University (Host Institution); Kristen Riley, Division Vice President of
Northern Division, Food Lion and Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) alum; and Kireem Swinton, President & CEO of Visit Baltimore. Together, they introduced the focus of this year’s CIAA—Power & Unity—and the theme #ComeHomeToBaltimore.
Reflecting on the significance of the tournament’s return, Commissioner McWilliams Parker says, “they are excited to be back in Baltimore celebrating an incredible game that has shaped the heart of HBCU sports and black tourism with a focus on legacy, leadership, community, and excellence.” Dr. Dillard echoed those sentiments, adding that “the event in Baltimore has become the Hallmark event not only leading competitive sports, but cultural excitement.”
The CIAA experience extends throughout the entire week starting February 24th. Beyond the tournament matchups, the CIAA has planned 32 additional events that can benefit the entire community. Events include Fan Fest, Career Expo,
#ComeHomeToBaltimore
Education Day, The John B. McClendon Jr. CIAA Hall of Fame Breakfast, step shows, community service initiatives, and a series of town halls and symposiums focused on education, health, financial wellness, and innovation. There is something for everyone. Details about the events can be found at www.CIAATournament.org
The tournament’s return to Baltimore has also produced substantial results. Not long ago, Baltimore won the bid over Charlotte to bring the CIAA Tournament back to the city. Figures indicate the event continues to deliver benefits based on and attendance and economic impact. In 2024, according to Commissioner McWilliams Parker, 43,450 fans attended games at CFG Bank Arena over the seven-day tournament, with 24 games broadcast on ESPN. Attendance increased by 13% compared to 2023, and the tournament generated a 39.8% total economic impact increase since 2022.
City leadership reinforced those outcomes by emphasizing the broader economic gains. Mayor Brandon Scott highlighted the city’s continued growth, stating, “We are also very happy about the economic impact that it has since coming to Baltimore,” noting that the tournament has generated more than $100 million overall, including $27 million in 2025 alone.
While economic data plays a critical role in measuring success, CIAA leadership emphasized that impact extends well beyond the numbers. In addition, the Commissioner explained that while measurable data—such as annual economic impact surveys conducted with the City of Baltimore—is essential for evaluating return on investment,
not all success can be quantitatively captured. Impact is also reflected in long-term outcomes, including student recruitment, enrollment, and career pathways tied to CIAA programs such as Education Day, Career Expo, and youth engagement initiatives. Examples include local students who progressed from participation in CIAA events to enrollment at member institutions, networking opportunities, internships, and eventual employment with partner organizations. These personal success stories complement the quantitative data and help demonstrate the broader educational, communal, and generational impact of the CIAA.
Looking ahead, Commissioner McWilliams Parker also shared a personal vision for the CIAA over the next three years—one centered on creating an unforgettable in-arena experience for student-athletes and fans alike. When asked about her goals, she excitedly shared, “I want to sell every seat in the arena, I want it to be hard to get in. I just told somebody I want it to be like you only have one church service, you’ll get there early or you don’t get a seat. That’s what I want. That is my vision and has been my vision for years to sell out the arena. I said every single year, and I just know that He’s [God] gonna open up the door for that at some point it may be after I’m gone, but the next three years, I would love to see the arena packed.”
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Media Contact: Traveya Brown
Phone: 443-600-1811
Email: invincibleprllc@gmail.com