Published on
August 14, 2025

Walt Disney World Resort is set to host the first HBCU Hoops Invitational this December 4-7, 2025. The tournament will showcase 4 men’s and 4 women’s teams from prominent HBCUs, consisting of Florida A&M, Bethune-Cookman, Hampton, and Tuskegee universities, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This tournament will be an exhilarating experience for basketball enthusiasts and an opportunity for student-athletes to demonstrate their talent.

This tournament is set to serve not only as an HBCU athletic tournament but as a celebration of the heritage and athletic excellence of the HBCU community. The event is designed to empower extraordinary athletic accomplishments with the chance for student athletes to pursue professional, academic, and leadership opportunities.

Participating Teams and Format of the Tournament

The HBCU Hoops Invitational showcases the best HBCU basketball programs and will feature some high-stakes matches. The men’s side includes players from Florida A&M University, Tuskegee University, Florida Memorial University, and Barber-Scotia College. The women’s bracket will showcase teams from Bethune-Cookman University, Hampton University, Edward Waters University, and Cheyney University. Each of their teams is among the best in HBCU basketball, and every team brings a distinct history and rich tradition.

The tournament will take place at the State Farm Field House located in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Teams will compete in a single-elimination tournament vying for the first-ever HBCU Hoops Invitational championship. This format guarantees every basketball game will be exciting and of the highest intensity.

The HBCU Hoops Invitational Not Only Enhances Games but also provides diverse Opportunities for Participants

Besides the captivating basketball games, the HBCU Hoops Invitational seeks to assist the broader HBCU community by helping students gain support and relevant resources. One of the highlights of the event is a college admissions fair, which takes place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This fair connects students to HBCUs and illustrates the various scholarship options available to them. The tournament seeks to not only foster athletic excellence but also help prepare the next generation of student athletes to excel academically, professionally, and financially.

The Vice President of HBCU Hoops Global, Inc., Haywoode Workman, a former NBA player and referee, shared his insights and emphasized that the event is much more than a basketball tournament. He highlighted that the event is a tournament of heritage and excellence and seeks to establish a legacy that arms young athletes with skills and opportunities to thrive both in and outside the game.

Why Walt Disney World Resort?

Given the prominence of Disney’s family-centered hospitality and unrivaled entertainment offerings across the globe, the Resort’s prominence makes it an ideal venue for such a high-profile international event. The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosts several big sports events throughout the year and is meant for amateur sports players to have a semi-professional experience. The facilities are cutting-edge, and the complex will serve as an amazing promotional and competitive venue for the HBCU Hoops Invitational.

The complex’s cheerleading, gymnastics, and soccer, as well as many other sports, have turned it into a center for amateur and youth athletes from all across the globe. In any case, Disney World is sure to provide an unforgettable experience to all visitors, including the athletes and their families, with its theme parks and other entertainment options.

Advocating For HBCU Athletics While Creating Pathways For Students

The HBCU Hoops Invitational has a central purpose: promoting HBCU athletics by showcasing the exemplary talent of their athletes. This event will provide a platform for robust community engagement. More than an athletics competition, the tournament seeks to contribute to the holistic development of students through scholarships, career guidance, and mentorship programs, thereby promoting a multidisciplinary approach toward personal development.

Pleased by the news of the tournament, Disney’s Senior Director of Sports Planning and Development, Jorge, considers the HBCU Hoops Invitational to be an exciting addition to the already packed basketball schedule at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. He reiterated the belief that the tournament will not only inspire fierce competition but also provide invaluable benefits for athletes, thereby strengthening the reputation of the complex as a leading destination for sports events.

Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making

The significance of the HBCU Hoops Invitational extends well beyond the basketball court. It is a unifying celebration of culture and collective accomplishment. With the Walt Disney World Resort serving as the host of the inaugural tournament, the HBCU student-athletes are given a much-needed opportunity to be showcased on a national stage while simultaneously advancing their academic and career aspirations. As with any sporting event, the tournament provides rabid basketball fans as well as families the opportunity to witness the best young talents representing the HBCU programs while enjoying the unparalleled entertainment offered by Disney.

(Source: Walt Disney World Resort, HBCU Hoops Global, Inc., ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex)