WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem State University has been selected to compete in the 2026 Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic, one of the nation's premier showcases of basketball among historically Black colleges and universities.

Hosted by the Chris Paul Family Foundation in partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the third annual Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic will be held Dec. 4-5 at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. The event celebrates the excellence, tradition and culture of HBCU basketball while providing student-athletes a national platform to compete.

WSSU will open the tournament against Clark Atlanta University on Friday, Dec. 4. Other participating institutions include Florida A&M University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Tennessee State University, Virginia State University and West Virginia State University.
 
 "Winston-Salem State University is honored to once again compete in the Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic," Burns said. "Our commitment to restore the standard is about building on the culture of excellence that generations of Ram student-athletes, coaches and supporters established. This event gives us an opportunity to celebrate that tradition while competing against outstanding HBCU programs on a national stage."

"I'm honored to be invited back to the Chris Paul HBCU Classic," said WSSU head men's basketball coach Lester "Jay" Butler. "It's a true blessing to represent Winston-Salem State University and carry the Ram legacy with pride. I'm grateful for another opportunity to compete, grow and represent on a big stage alongside some of the best HBCU programs. A special thank you to Chris Paul and the Chris Paul Family Foundation for creating this incredible opportunity and continuing to invest in HBCU student-athletes."

Known to basketball fans as "CP3," Paul earned his bachelor's degree in mass communications from Winston-Salem State University in 2022. Born in Winston-Salem and raised in nearby Lewisville, he has long described WSSU as near and dear to his heart. His parents, Charles Edward Paul and Robin Jones, are WSSU alumni, and he grew up attending Rams football and basketball games.

"HBCU basketball has become an important pillar of college sports. As support continues to grow, I'm excited to bring this year's games to the DMV area and provide the teams an opportunity to showcase their talent on a national platform," said Paul. "Our partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and our supporting sponsors allows us to continue to support the growth and development of HBCU basketball."

Game times, broadcast information and ticket details will be announced at a later date.
 
  
About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System, founded in 1892 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Home to nearly 5,000 students, WSSU has a longstanding tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. WSSU is the only university in North Carolina to hold the Carnegie/American Council on Education Opportunity College designation, recognizing its impact on student access and social mobility. Guided by the motto, "Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve," WSSU prepares students for academic excellence, innovative research and community engagement. For more information, visit www.wssu.edu. On social media, follow Winston-Salem State University on Facebook and LinkedIn; @WSSU1892 on Instagram; and @WSSURams on X.
 
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