The Chris Paul Family Foundation and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced two HBCU basketball showcases this Fall, per a release by both organizations. The HBCU Tip-Off and Challenge, presented by the AEA Foundation, was created to provide opportunities for HBCU athletes to showcase their skills.

The HBCU Tip-Off will take place on November 18-19 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The event will feature matchups between Cheyney Univeristy & Virginia Union and Tuskegee & Winston-Salem State on November 18th On Sunday, November 19, there will be a championship game.

The HBCU Challenge will be held on December 16-17 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The event will feature matchups between Texas Southern & North Carolina A&T and Jackson State versus Howard on Saturday. On Sunday, Texas Southern faces off against Howard, and Jackson State will match up with North Carolina A&T.

The move is the latest in Chris Paul's efforts to elevate HBCUs. Paul graduated from Winston-Salem State last December. He also serves as an executive producer on the “Why Not Us” ESPN series that has spotlighted North Carolina Central basketball, Florida A&M football, Southern University's Dancing Dolls, and Howard University's golf team.

Paul said that he's excited to give these black college athletes a platform.

“We are looking forward to the third year of our HBCU events,” said Paul. “These events present a unique opportunity for student-athletes to play on a national stage. I’m excited to collaborate with the Basketball Hall of Fame, Mohegan Sun, and MGM Resorts and am grateful to all of our partners for their commitment to HBCU schools and athletes in partnership with this event.”

Tickets for the 2023 Chris Paul HBCU Tip-Off and HBCU Challenge will go on sale starting Friday, September 8.