In a continuation of its celebration of Black colleges during the 2021 All-Star Weekend, the NBA plans to continue to promote, aid and develop students professionally from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) during the 2022 All-Star Weekend and beyond.

On Thursday, the NBA is announcing plans to develop new programs and events at HBCUs. The focus is on professional development, career advancement and increasing support and awareness of HBCU athletics and institutions. There will be a televised matchup between Howard and Morgan State’s men’s basketball teams, the NBA HBCU Classic, on Feb. 19 at the Wolstein Center during 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland. The NBA also plans to donate more than $1 million to aid HBCUs through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the United Negro College Fund and other academic institutions.

The NBA and its 30 teams will offer a new paid fellowship program in 2022 for HBCU undergraduate and graduate students. The NBA says that the NBA Foundation-led program will offer Black college students “the opportunity to gain real-life insights and professional experience around the business of basketball.” The students will work in positions at the league office and with NBA and WNBA teams while being matched with a league or team employee as a mentor.

Read more.