The heart of college basketball will beat with an unprecedented rhythm of Black excellence in March 2026 as Indianapolis hosts the historic Fifth Annual HBCU All-Star Game.
The event, slated for April 2-5, 2026, during the Men’s NCAA Final Four weekend, promises a national showcase for top basketball talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), curated by a profound commitment to community impact.
The weekend is designed as a comprehensive celebration of HBCU culture. It culminates in the All-Star game at the Corteva Coliseum in the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
However, organizers emphasize that the event extends far beyond the hardwood.
“This is bigger than basketball,” said Travis Williams, founder of the HBCU All-Stars. “It’s a celebration of Black excellence … and it’s an opportunity for us to represent all 100-plus of our prestigious HBCUs across the country.”
In years past, the HBCU All-Star Game was held in Phoenix, Houston, New Orleans, and San Antonio.
A platform for opportunity and exposure
The core mission of the event is to elevate HBCU athletics on a national stage. Williams cited striking statistics to underscore the need for this platform. Currently, there are zero HBCU players on active NBA rosters, a gap the All-Star game aims to help bridge.
Consequently, the weekend features a professional Pro-Day Combine. This event provides graduating seniors with the same prestige and measurements as athletes from larger programs. In 2025, the combine attracted scouts from 25 of the 30 NBA teams. Williams’ goal for Indianapolis is to have all 30 franchises in attendance.
“It’s important that we give our guys the same recognition as they do when trying to finish that professional journey,” Williams said.
The selection process is highly competitive. First, a watchlist of over 100 players is released. Then, the top 24 men’s players are selected to compete. These athletes represent the four premier Black college conferences — the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, and SIAC— as well as independent HBCUs.
Rooted in community and legacy
Beyond basketball, the organization embeds itself in each host city through targeted outreach. A cornerstone initiative is the Cap and Gown Donation program. In Indianapolis, the organizers confirmed donations of at least 100 caps and gowns to 10 identified high schools within the metro area.
“I had a challenging childhood,” Williams said, reflecting on his personal motivation. “If there’s some young person in need of a cap and gown, we want to try to assist.”
Additionally, the weekend features an HBCU College Admissions and Scholarship Fair. This event exposes local youth to higher education opportunities at HBCUs. Furthermore, the organization provides academic scholarships and financial assistance to students through its foundation. The schedule also includes a Social Justice & Civil Rights Breakfast, a tradition honoring figures like Reverend Jesse Jackson in the past.
“Anytime you get a national global platform like we have, it must be utilized correctly and responsibly,” Williams said, highlighting the importance of unifying the community around these values.
HBCU All-Star Game: An affordable family experience
Organizers are keen to make the event inclusive and accessible. A “Fan Fest” precedes the game, specifically designed to support Black and brown businesses. Local vendors showcase their products with a minimal donation supporting the event’s scholarship fund.
Williams highlighted the family-friendly nature and affordability: “A family of four for less than $100 can come and have an exciting HBCU All-Star Game experience. Bring the whole family.”
The return to Indianapolis is particularly symbolic. The city was initially scheduled to host the inaugural game in 2021, but COVID-19 restrictions led to its cancellation. Now, five years later, the circle is complete.
“We have a chance during Easter weekend to celebrate,” Williams said. “When the families go to church, spend time, eat, they can come that Sunday afternoon … and continue the celebration.”
Ultimately, the 2026 HBCU All-Star Game in Indianapolis positions itself as more than a sporting event; it is a cultural homecoming, a professional launching pad, and a testament to community partnership.
“It’s bigger than basketball,” Williams said. “It’s about ‘us.'”
Tickets for the game are $25 each and are scheduled to go on sale in December. For more information on the event and surrounding festivities, visit hbcuallstargame.com.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Parham is the owner of Horsemen Sports Media. For more, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver. He is also the owner and founder of Horsemen Sports Media.
