– Event to Take Place at the Gateway Center in Atlanta –
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. – The Chris Paul Family Foundation and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the field of teams for the 2025 Chris Paul HBCU Classic. The event will be held on December 18-19 at the Gateway Center in Atlanta for the first time.
Thursday, December 18
11:00 AM ET – Clark Atlanta vs. Lincoln (PA)
1:30 PM ET – Fayetteville State vs. Morehouse
5:00 PM ET – Jackson State vs. Hampton
7:30 PM ET – Grambling State vs. Norfolk State
Friday, December 19
11:00 AM ET – Lincoln (PA) vs. Morehouse
1:30 PM ET – Clark Atlanta vs. Fayetteville State
5:00 PM ET – Hampton vs. Grambling State
7:30 PM ET – Jackson State vs. Norfolk State
“Chris Paul’s dedication to elevating HBCU student-athletes is both inspiring and impactful. The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to stand alongside him in creating meaningful opportunities for these student-athletes,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “We look forward to bringing all eight teams and their fans together under one roof at the Gateway Center in Atlanta for the first time this December.”
Paul, an active philanthropist and entrepreneur, executive produced Why Not Us: North Carolina Central Basketball, Why Not Us: FAMU Football, and Why Not Us: Southern Dance and Why Not Us: Grambling Dance on ESPN+. In addition, Paul partnered with Harvard Business School to bring its Entertainment, Media and Sports program to select HBCUs to develop a pipeline for students pursuing careers in those industries. He launched HBCU voting initiatives to encourage students to vote during the past election and partnered with Sour Patch Kids and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to create The Mischief for Change Scholarship, a college scholarship fund with a $1 million commitment over the next five years for students attending HBCUs. In 2022, Paul graduated with a degree from Winston-Salem State University.
“As the support for HBCU basketball continues to grow, I’m excited to provide this year’s teams an opportunity to showcase their talent at the Gateway Center in Atlanta. The HBCU Classic allows these players and their schools to receive their well-deserved recognition on a national platform,” said Paul. “I am grateful for the commitment that the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and our partners have shown in supporting the development of HBCU Basketball.”
Tickets for the 2025 Chris Paul HBCU Challenge, which will take place on December 18-19, will go on sale at a later date.
Details surrounding broadcast information and credentials will be announced at a later date. For more information, please visit hoophall.com.
Quotes from Participating Head Coaches
“It’s an incredible honor to compete in the Chris Paul HBCU Classic. This event is bigger than basketball—it’s a celebration of our culture, our history, and our future. Our guys are fired up to represent Hampton University on a national stage and be part of something that brings real pride to the HBCU community.” – Ivan Thomas, Hampton University
“This is our second time playing in this event. It’s always great to highlight HBCU talent on a national stage.” – Mo Williams, Jackson State
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be chosen for the CP3 Classic again. This is a tremendous field, and we put our undefeated record on the line in this event. Looking forward to the challenge against great competition from the SWAC!” – Robert Jones, Norfolk State
“We’re extremely excited and honored to be a part of the Chris Paul HBCU Classic. This event is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the tradition and talent of HBCU basketball on a national stage. Matched up against two premier HBCU programs in Norfolk State and Hampton University, our program is grateful for the chance to compete in these high-profile games, we look forward to representing Grambling State and the Southwestern Athletic Conference with pride and excellence.” – Patrick Crarey II, Grambling State
“We’re pumped to be part of the Chris Paul HBCU Classic. It’s an amazing opportunity to showcase our program, represent Fayetteville State, and be part of something bigger than the game. Events like this shine a light on HBCU talent, and we’re grateful to be included.” – Devin Hoehn, Fayetteville State
“The Chris Paul HBCU Classic was more than just a game — it was an unforgettable experience. We were treated with incredible hospitality, and the national exposure our players received was truly invaluable. This platform gave our student-athletes the opportunity to showcase their talents on a major stage, and for that, we’re deeply thankful.” – Julius Hodge, Lincoln University
“Playing in the Chris Paul Classic is a blessing for our program. It gives our student-athletes a big stage, elite competition, and a chance to represent HBCUs the right way. We’re grateful to Chris Paul for his vision and investment in our kids.” – Larry Dixon, Morehouse
“The Chris Paul Classic reflects everything we believe in—competition, character, and community. Our student-athletes will leave better because of the mentorship, visibility, and relationships this event provides. I’m thankful to Chris Paul and everyone involved for continuing to invest in HBCU programs.” – Alfred Jordan, Clark Atlanta
About Chris Paul
Affectionately known as the Point God, Chris Paul is a 12-time NBA All- Star and two-time Olympic Gold medalist. He was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history. In 2021, Paul became the first player in league history to record 20,000 points and 10,000 assists in their career. He ranks second on the NBA all-time career assists and steals list. Chris is entering his 21st season in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Off the court, he’s a father, husband, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. His recent New York Times best-selling memoir, Sixty- One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court, is a powerful and unexpected memoir of family, faith, tragedy, and life’s most important lessons.
As a leader, Chris served as the former President of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 until 2021, spearheading the 2016 CBA as well as establishing THINK450 to manage the group licensing rights and create additional business opportunities for all 450 NBA players.
His business footprint is diverse and includes a multi platform production company Ohh Dip!!! Productions, as well as ownership of plant based, better for you snack brand Good Eatn’. Additionally, he has minority ownership of the Indian Premier League’s Rajasthan Royals, Jupiter Links GC of the TMR Golf League, Angel City FC, TBT (The Basketball Tournament) and TST (The Soccer Tournament) as well as the CP3 Basketball Academy in North Carolina.
Through the Chris Paul Family Foundation, Chris continues to provide resources that enrich and strengthen underserved communities across the country through its Club 61 Leadership Alliance and the accredited HBCU Business of Entertainment Media and Sports class at NC A&T and Southern University.
He previously served on President Joe Biden’s advisory board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His philanthropic efforts have earned him the 2016 ESPYs “Humanitarian of the Year” award, the 2016 Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award, and the NBA Community Assist Award five times. Chris is also the first recipient of the Kobe and Gigi Bryant Advocacy Award for his significant contributions to the advancement of girls’ and women’s basketball and advocacy for the WNBA.
About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level—men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors—both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 475 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits, and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo “Court of Dreams.” Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 150 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit hoophall.com and follow @hoophall.
