A New Chapter for the Black College Invitational Championship

Exciting Changes Set the Stage for an Unforgettable Tournament Weekend

Charlotte, NC – March 18, 2025 – The highly anticipated Black College Invitational Championship (BCIC) is set to debut at Bojangles Coliseum from March 20-23, 2025, bringing HBCU basketball back to the Queen City.

BCIC was first announced on August 25, 2024, with the goal of providing a premier post-season stage for 16 Division I and II HBCU teams.

“The tournament was started because we believed there was a lack of post-season play for our D1 and D2 institutions, but this year is different and it’s great to see so many schools receive national recognition. A win for one HBCU is a win for all HBCUs.” said Dr. Wes Bellamy.  

Because of new opportunities afforded to our HBCU Division 1 student athletes, BCIC will be shifting the focus of this year’s tournament to solely highlighting the talents and tenacity of Division II schools. This change was driven by the increasing recognition of HBCU programs, with more teams earning spots in the NCAA Tournament, NIT, and WNIT—highlighting the depth of talent and competitiveness across HBCU basketball. While the tournament's format has evolved, its core mission remains unchanged: celebrating the talent, tradition, and culture that make HBCU athletics special.

"Congratulations to all of the HBCUs who have made it to post-season play. Our HBCUs are home to incredible talent, and from the start, the vision for this championship has been to create a platform that truly highlights the best of the best," said Dr. Wes Bellamy, BCIC. "As we launch this inaugural tournament with a focus on Division II programs, we’ve made adjustments to ensure more student-athletes have the opportunity to compete and gain well-deserved exposure. The support from the community has been tremendous, and we anticipate that enthusiasm will continue as we build a tradition of celebrating HBCU basketball at its finest."

A Tournament Built on Legacy and Opportunity

The BCIC’s new format will now feature an exciting Division II tournament, with high-energy games throughout the weekend leading up to the championship matchups.

Tournament Schedule:

Thursday, March 20

  • 12:00 PM | Women's Basketball: Clark Atlanta University vs. Virginia Union University
  • 2:00 PM | Men's Basketball: Central State University vs. Claflin University
  • 6:00 PM | Women's Basketball: Johnson C. Smith University vs. Livingstone College
  • 8:00 PM | Men's Basketball: Johnson C. Smith University vs. Virginia Union University

Friday, March 21

  • 12:00 PM | Women's Consolation Game
  • 6:00 PM | Men's Consolation Game

Saturday, March 22

  • 12:00 PM | Women's Championship Game
  • 3:00 PM | Men's Championship Game

Beyond the action on the court, BCIC is creating an immersive and engaging experience for fans, students, and the Charlotte community. The tournament weekend will kick off with Education Day on Thursday at Ovens Auditorium, bringing together local students for inspiring discussions and programming. On Saturday morning, the excitement continues with Yard Fest from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Bojangles Coliseum, celebrating HBCU culture with music, vendors, and community engagement.

"This tournament is about more than basketball—it’s about celebrating the history, excellence, and bright future of our HBCU programs," said Dr. Wes Bellamy. "We’re thrilled to bring this vision to life in Charlotte and invite fans everywhere to be part of the experience. We need your support this week. The student athletes need your support this week. The culture needs your support this week. Get your tickets, and let’s build this together.”"

Fans can catch the games live on HBCU Go and experience the energy of the BCIC in person. Tickets and additional details are available at www.blackcollegeinvitationalchampionship.org. For general inquiries, please contact info@blackcollegeinvitationalchampionship.org.

About the Black College Invitational Championship

The Black College Invitational Championship (BCIC) is committed to elevating HBCU basketball by providing a premier post-season platform for men’s and women’s teams. In partnership with leaders across various industries, BCIC ensures student-athletes, fans, and the broader community can celebrate the rich legacy and bright future of HBCU basketball and culture.