
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is a college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II level. The CIAA consists of 13 member institutions, primarily historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) along the East Coast of the United States. The CIAA sponsors 14 annual championships, including the CIAA Basketball Tournament, which features men's and women's teams vying for the conference championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II tournament. The tournament attracts over 100,000 fans and spectators annually and has become one of the largest college basketball events in the nation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association |
| Originally Known As | Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association |
| Year of Name Change | 1950 |
| Affiliation | National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) |
| Division | II |
| Members | 13 |
| Member Type | Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) |
| Member States | Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina |
| Headquarters | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Previous Headquarters | Hampton, Virginia |
| Championship Venue | CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland |
| Championship Dates | February 25 - March 1, 2025 |
| Championship Tickets | $50 for residents of Baltimore and nearby counties |
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What You'll Learn

The CIAA Basketball Tournament is televised on ESPN
The CIAA Basketball Tournament is an annual event that will take place in Baltimore in 2025. The tournament is televised on ESPN, bringing the excitement of collegiate basketball to viewers across the nation. This tournament is highly anticipated by fans and players alike, as it showcases the talent and skill of student-athletes from across the country.
The CIAA Tournament is more than just a basketball competition; it is an event that celebrates the rich history and culture of the participating teams and the host city. Baltimore, known for its vibrant diversity and creative culture, will be a spectacular backdrop for the games. The city's prime location on the East Coast makes it easily accessible, and fans can explore all that Baltimore has to offer within walking distance of the tournament venue.
ESPN's coverage of the CIAA Basketball Tournament will capture the intensity of the games, as well as the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the event. The network will bring viewers all the action, from the thrilling plays on the court to the passionate fans cheering on their favourite teams. The tournament is a showcase of exceptional athletic ability, strategic gameplay, and the dedication of the participating teams.
In addition to the basketball games, ESPN may also highlight the various activities and initiatives that take place alongside the tournament. The CIAA Basketball Tournament is committed to promoting health and wellness, financial literacy, and the celebration of culture. Events such as the Health and Mental Wellness Summit, featuring discussions on mental health within the African American community, and the Money Moves Financial Summit, which provides tools for small business growth, are transformative experiences for attendees.
Televising the CIAA Basketball Tournament on ESPN allows a wider audience to engage with the event, bringing the excitement and community spirit of the tournament directly into viewers' homes. Fans can look forward to an immersive viewing experience, complete with expert commentary and analysis, capturing the essence of this prestigious tournament.
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It's held in Baltimore, Maryland
The CIAA Basketball Tournament is coming to Baltimore, Maryland, in 2025. The tournament will take place from February 25 to March 1 and will feature both men's and women's basketball teams. Baltimore is an ideal location for the tournament, as it is easily accessible from the East Coast by train, plane, or car. The city also offers a diverse range of attractions, including cultural institutions and landmarks, as well as a vibrant food scene.
Baltimore, also known as Charm City, is a diverse and culturally rich city. Visitors can explore landmarks and museums such as the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, the Frederick Douglass-Issac Myers Maritime Park Museum, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture. The city also boasts a variety of culinary options, including a selection of Black-owned restaurants that visitors can explore during the tournament.
In addition to the basketball games, the CIAA Tournament offers a range of other activities and events. The Youth Sports Clinic provides a holistic approach to athletic development, with guest speakers discussing topics like mental health and wellness. There is also the Money Moves Financial Summit, which offers small businesses practical tools and knowledge for sustainability and growth. The summit includes panel discussions with business leaders and real estate groups, highlighting economic opportunities in Baltimore.
The CIAA Tournament also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the women's tournament with exclusive t-shirt designs by local business MESS in a Bottle. Visitors can also take advantage of the BoP Pass, which offers exclusive deals and discounts at Baltimore's Black-owned businesses and attractions. With so much to offer, Baltimore is thrilled to welcome visitors from near and far to the 2025 CIAA Basketball Tournament.
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The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's members are HBCUs
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is a college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. It was founded in 1912 on the campus of Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) and was originally known as the Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The CIAA adopted its current name in 1950.
The CIAA is the oldest African-American athletic conference in the United States and consists entirely of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Its 13 member institutions are predominantly located in the central portion of the East Coast of the United States, spanning the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
The CIAA sponsors 14 annual championships and divides into north and south divisions for some sports. The most notable championship it sponsors is the CIAA Basketball Tournament, which has become one of the largest college basketball events in the nation. The tournament is held in a different city each year, with Baltimore, Maryland, hosting the event in 2025 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the women's tournament.
The CIAA has a rich history and has undergone several changes since its founding. The association has added and removed member institutions over the years, with some schools, such as Chowan University, realigning their athletic programs with other conferences while maintaining an associate relationship with the CIAA for specific sports. The CIAA has also been at the forefront of discussions surrounding gender equity and inclusion in intercollegiate athletics, with the NCAA enforcing amendments to criminalize discrimination based on sex.
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The tournament has a $55 million economic impact on its host city
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the nation's oldest historically Black athletic conference. It was founded in 1912 and is the first African American athletic conference. The CIAA conducts 16 championships, including basketball tournaments, attended by more than 150,000 fans from across the country.
The CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament hosted in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2015, produced an economic impact of $55.6 million, a 19% increase from 2014. The tournament also saw an increase in hotel occupancy, with a combined growth of 5.4% in Uptown Charlotte and Mecklenburg County hotels. The economic impact of the tournament is far-reaching, with $30 million contributed to Charlotte's economy through direct visitor spending alone.
The CIAA Tournament is a significant economic driver, and its impact is felt by various businesses and organizations. The 2024 tournament in Baltimore, for example, generated a total economic impact of $32.5 million, supporting 1,315 jobs and resulting in $3.1 million in state and local taxes. The tournament attracted approximately 43,450 fans to CFG Bank Arena over 24 basketball games, with a total of 63,844 attendees including media, student-athletes, coaches, and other patrons.
The success of the tournament is a collaborative effort, made possible by the support of the host city, state, sports commissions, and local organizing committees. The CIAA Tournament boosts the local economy, brings in thousands of visitors, and showcases the best of what the host city has to offer. It also provides an opportunity to engage and support minority-owned businesses, with the Baltimore Sports Tourism Development Council engaging 118 such businesses during the 2024 tournament, resulting in a direct economic benefit of over $1.4 million.
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The last day of the tournament is known as Super Saturday
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is a college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II level. The CIAA is the oldest African-American athletic conference in the US, founded in 1912 on the campus of Hampton Institute (now Hampton University). It was originally known as the Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 1950.
The CIAA Basketball Tournament is the most notable championship sponsored by the CIAA. It has become one of the largest college basketball events in the nation, with over 100,000 fans and spectators in attendance annually. The tournament is also the first NCAA Division II conference to have its tournament televised as part of Championship Week on ESPN.
In addition to the basketball games, the CIAA Basketball Tournament also features events such as the Money Moves Financial Summit, which provides small businesses with knowledge and practical tools for sustainability, and the Youth Sports Clinic, which offers a holistic approach to athletic development, including discussions on mental health and wellness. The tournament has a significant economic impact on its host city, with an annual impact of $55 million on Charlotte, North Carolina, during its 15-year stay there.
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Frequently asked questions
The CIAA Basketball Tournament is an annual event hosted by the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The CIAA is a college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II level.
The CIAA Basketball Tournament takes place from February 25 to March 1. The last day of the tournament, known as "Super Saturday", is when the men's and women's tournament champions are crowned.
The tournament is held in Baltimore, Maryland, in the CFG Bank Arena.
During the week of the tournament, there are various high-profile social and celebratory events. This includes the signature Cheer Exhibition on Super Saturday. There are also deals and discounts at local Black-owned businesses, and cultural landmarks to explore.




























