LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – The magic of Disney is about to meet the magic of HBCU excellence. The first-ever HBCU Hoops Invitational tips off at Walt Disney World Resort December 4-7, bringing together some of the nation’s top Black college basketball programs for four days of competition, culture, and community.
On the men’s side, the tourney will host Florida A&M University, Tuskegee University, Florida Memorial University, and Barber-Scotia College. The women’s bracket will boast powerhouse programs from Bethune-Cookman University, Hampton University, Edward Waters University, and Cheyney University.
The tournament will unfold in a single-elimination format inside the State Farm Field House, with both men’s and women’s teams vying to etch their names in history as the first-ever HBCU Hoops Invitational champions.
“We are excited about the opportunities to bring thrilling, family-friendly events to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and this HBCU Hoops Invitational adds to our lineup of high-caliber youth and college events,” said Jorge Senior, Disney’s Director of Sports Planning and Development. “If you’re a college basketball fan, there’s no better place to be during the holidays.”
But this event is bigger than basketball.
Florida A&M enters the tournament with new leadership at the helm—former Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward. On the women’s side, Cheyney University steps onto the court carrying the legacy of being the only HBCU women’s team to ever advance to the NCAA Division I Final Four (1982).
Beyond the buzzer, the HBCU Hoops Invitational is planting seeds for the future. Organized by HBCU Hoops Global, Inc., players and students will gain access to a college admissions fair, scholarships, career development resources, and year-round academic support.
“The HBCU Hoops Invitational is far more than a basketball tournament—it’s a powerful celebration of heritage, excellence, and the limitless future of HBCU athletics,” said Haywoode Workman, vice president of HBCU Hoops Global and former NBA player-turned-referee. “We are building a legacy that extends well beyond the court to open doors to academic achievement, career readiness, and financial opportunity for our scholar-athletes.”
The invitational adds even more heat to an already stacked college hoops calendar at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports, including the WBCA Showcase (Nov. 20–23) and the ESPN Events Invitational (Nov. 24–28), alongside AAU national championships.
Tickets for the HBCU Hoops Invitational are available now at www.hbcuhoops.org.
