Howard Returns to the NBA HBCU Classic for a 2027 Matchup With Tennessee State

Howard and Tennessee State basketball players appear alongside their school pennants in the NBA HBCU Classic announcement.

Howard is headed back to the NBA HBCU Classic. The Bison will face Tennessee State on Saturday, February 20th, 2027, at the Phoenix Convention Center during NBA All-Star weekend, giving the Washington university another national basketball platform.

The NBA’s October 13th announcement identifies Hardwood Central, inside Jam Session, as the venue. ESPN and NBA TV will carry the game at noon Mountain time, or 2 p.m. ET. This will be Howard’s second appearance after its victory in the inaugural 2022 event; Tennessee State will participate for the first time.

More than a one-game invitation

The NBA and AT&T will jointly contribute $50,000 to each university. Howard coach Kenny Blakeney emphasized the wider opportunity for students to connect with the All-Star environment, while Tennessee State coach Nolan Smith highlighted the national stage for his players and school.

The event also includes school traditions beyond the court. Foot Locker plans an introductory gathering featuring a competition involving the schools’ bands and cheer teams. That gives supporters another way to recognize their universities during a weekend dominated by professional basketball.

What fans should know

The NBA’s ticketing FAQ places All-Star weekend in Phoenix from February 19th through February 21st. It lists the HBCU Classic separately from All-Star Saturday Night and the NBA All-Star Game. A Classic ticket includes admission to Jam Session that Saturday; fans should check the exact event listing before purchasing.

For Howard supporters in Washington and the surrounding region, the distinction matters when comparing a television watch plan with a trip to Arizona. The matchup is confirmed, but the announcement should not be mistaken for a ticket covering every All-Star event.

This is a basketball showcase to follow as the college season develops, with the game itself still months away. For more regional college coverage, read our Morgan State Homecoming recap. We will keep the focus on verified team developments rather than treating a future invitation as a prediction of the result.