HAMPTON, Va. (Sept. 4, 2025) … The Hampton University men's basketball schedule was finalized on Thursday with the announcement of participation in the Chris Paul HBCU Classic on December 18-19 in Atlanta, Georgia at the Gateway Center. The Chris Paul Family Foundation and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame will sponsor the event.
Hampton will take on Jackson State on December 18 and Grambling State on December 19 with both games taking place at 5 p.m.
This marks the third time that Hampton has participated in the Chris Paul HBCU Classic having played in the inaugural event during the 2021-22 season in Phoenix, Arizona and then again in 2022-23 in Las Vegas.
"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," said Hampton University head coach
Ivan Thomas.
"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."
"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 and television for the 2025 Chris Paul HBCU Challenge will be announced at a later date.
