This February, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference, will commemorate the 50th anniversary of its Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament. The milestone celebration will take place during the 2025 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament, hosted at Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena from February 25 to March 1.

The CIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, a hallmark of Black excellence and athleticism, has been a defining stage for generations of trailblazing athletes. This year’s tournament, themed #PaintingHerStory, will include a series of initiatives to honor the contributions of women in sports and beyond. Signature events will feature the EmpowerHER Town Hall, a Women’s Empowerment Brunch presented by Nationwide, and Ladies’ Night on Championship Saturday, among others.

“This year marks a monumental milestone for the CIAA and women’s sports as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Women’s Basketball Tournament and honor the trailblazing athletes who have shaped its legacy,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker.

The tournament, known as the “HBCU precursor to March Madness,” falls intentionally during Black History Month, underscoring its cultural significance. Alongside 22 basketball matchups, the week will include a fan-favorite lineup of events such as Fan Fest, the Career Expo, Education Day, and live performances. Additional programming will highlight Baltimore’s rich Black history and community.

In recent years, Baltimore has become a fitting host for the event. In 2024, the tournament generated $32.5 million in economic impact, supporting over 1,300 jobs and contributing $3.1 million in state and local taxes. Al Hutchinson, President and CEO of Visit Baltimore, emphasized the importance of the event to the city, saying, “The CIAA Tournament is more than just basketball—it’s a week-long celebration of Black excellence, HBCU pride, and community.”

The tournament’s impact also extends to its broadcast reach, thanks to the CIAA’s partnership with ESPN. All 22 games will stream live on ESPN+, with championship games featured on ESPNU.

The CIAA’s 13 member institutions, including Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine’s University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University, continue to produce top-tier athletes while fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.

For Baltimore, the CIAA tournament represents more than just sports—it’s an economic and cultural force that brings alumni, families, and fans from across the country together. As the event prepares to honor half a century of women’s basketball excellence, it also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Black athletic and cultural achievement.

Tickets and information about the tournament and its events are available at baltimore.org/ciaa.