The Chris Paul HBCU Challenge is set to return for its fourth season this Fall. The series of games, featuring both  Division I and Division II HBCU teams, will be held December 19-20 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

On December 19th. familiar SIAC rivals Kentucky State and Benedict will compete for the opportunity to challenge the winner between CIAA foes Lincoln University of Missouri in a pair of inter-conference matchups. Kentucky State will face off against SIAC opponent Benedict, whereas Lincoln University and Winston-Salem State, the champions of last year's Chris Paul's HBCU Tip-Off, will also play. The victorious teams from these games will then compete in the championship game

The Division I HBCUs selected will feature matchups between MEAC and SWAC teams. Norfolk State, a strong MEAC basketball team, will play against Alabama State. Grambling State, coming from a recent March Madness appearance, will compete against Delaware State. The matchups will then switch, with Norfolk State playing against Grambling and Delaware State facing Alabama State.

Chris Paul spoke about the challenge, saying, “I’m excited to continue to grow the game of basketball through our HBCU tournaments. These games present a unique opportunity for student-athletes to play on a national stage and receive their well-deserved recognition. Collaborating with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Mohegan Sun, and our partners provides the commitment needed to support HBCU schools and student-athletes.”

John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, also spoke glowingly about the challenge, saying, “Chris Paul’s unwavering advocacy for HBCU athletes reflects his deep commitment to their empowerment and success. The Basketball Hall of Fame is honored to collaborate with Chris to promote opportunities for these talented student-athletes. We eagerly anticipate bringing all eight teams and their fans together under one roof at Mohegan Sun Arena in December and bringing HBCU culture to New England.”

The coaches of each institution also chimed in.

“It’s exciting to be invited to the Chris Paul HBCU Challenge again. We have had success in this event before, and we are honored to be back,” said Norfolk State head coach Robert Jones.

“We are super excited to return to play in the HBCU Challenge. It is the highlight event of our season! We look forward to showing up and bringing the C.E. Gaines energy back to Connecticut,” said Winston-Salem State head coach Cleo Hill Jr.

“We are honored to participate in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Chris Paul Foundation’s HBCU Challenge. This event provides us with the opportunity to play on the national stage and showcase our talents and university. These two organizations are committed to honoring and preserving the history of basketball, and we are excited to be a part of it,” said Delaware State head coach Stan Waterman.

“When you hear The Basketball Hall of Fame and Chris Paul, the word that comes to mind is Greatness! I think everyone understands the significance of The Basketball Hall of Fame and there is no doubt Chris Paul will be a Hall of Famer as one of the best point guards ever. Under the leadership of Dr. Ross and Dr. Cable, Alabama State University is honored to be one of the HBCUs chosen to participate in such an amazing event. What Chris Paul and his Family’s Foundation have done to put a national spotlight on HBCUs is unmatched. Alabama State University is honored and blessed to represent the city of Montgomery and Hornet Nation across the country in this outstanding and meaningful event,” said Alabama State head coach Tony Madlock.

“It is an honor to be a part of the Chris Paul HBCU Challenge. This is our second time having an opportunity to compete in this incredible event. This event showcases and highlights some of the best HBCU Basketball programs in the country each year. I really appreciate Chris Paul & his foundation for giving back and making this HBCU challenge a yearly event,” Grambling State head coach Donte' Jackson.

“We appreciate being able to represent Kentucky State University at the Chris Paul Foundation and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame HBCU Challenge. As the head coach and an alum of Kentucky State University, it is an honor to compete in this year’s event. Chris Paul is a huge supporter of HBCUs, and we appreciate him and everyone who has helped to make what will be a great experience for our players and staff come to fruition.” – said Kentucky State head coach Jamaal Jackson.

“We first would like to thank The Chris Paul Family Foundation and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for inviting Benedict College Men's Basketball Program to Uncasville, Connecticut, to participate in this amazing event. Our administration, coaching staff, and student-athletes look forward to competing at a high level while being amid so much basketball history and tradition. We value and appreciate this opportunity and look forward to seeing you all in Uncasville,” said Benedict College head coach Artis Maddox.

“We are honored to have this opportunity to be in the HBCU Challenge I have been a fan of the event since the classic launched a few years ago. This classic brings four of the best teams in HBCU basketball to an ESPN audience. We are excited to compete, to be a part of the classic's history, and grateful that our university and student-athletes will get this experience on a national stage,” said Lincoln University of Pennsylvania head coach Keyshawn McMahon.

Tickets for both brackets of the 2024 Chris Paul HBCU Challenge will be available for purchase on Friday, September 6, via Ticketmaster and at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office starting Saturday, September 7. Fans must buy individual tickets for each bracket.