In a significant development for collegiate basketball, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament will continue to call Baltimore, Maryland, home through 2029. This decision, announced in late May 2025, comes after a competitive bidding process that saw Charlotte, North Carolina, making a determined effort to reclaim the tournament that it hosted for 15 years until the 2019-20 season.
The announcement represents a collaborative effort between the CIAA, Visit Baltimore, the State of Maryland, and Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon M. Scott. Their unified approach secured the tournament’s future in Charm City for years to come, extending beyond the current contract that runs through 2026.
The CIAA Tournament stays in Baltimore: Charm City through 2029
Baltimore’s continued hosting of the CIAA Tournament marks a significant win for the city, which has only been hosting the event since 2021. The extension solidifies a relationship that has been building over several years and signals confidence in Baltimore’s ability to successfully showcase this historic HBCU athletic event.
“We are proud that the CIAA tournament will call Baltimore home,” Maryland Governor Wes Moore stated, adding that “The tournament belongs in Charm City. In order for this to be Maryland’s decade, it needs to be Baltimore’s time.”
Baltimore’s winning formula: Economic impact and a basketball-first approach
Economic impact and a basketball-first approach
Baltimore’s successful bid was largely driven by its proven track record of generating a significant financial impact. The 2024 tournament alone injected $32.5 million into Baltimore’s economy, supporting 1,315 jobs and generating $3.1 million in state and local taxes.
The economic benefits spread widely across multiple sectors:
- $5.4 million in food and beverage spending
- $4 million in lodging expenses
- $3.4 million for entertainment and attractions
- $3.2 million in retail spending
- $1.7 million for transportation and local rideshare services
Beyond the financial benefits, Baltimore’s “basketball-first” approach resonated with CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker, who valued the city’s emphasis on the tournament itself rather than surrounding events.
Charlotte’s challenge: Hotel hurdles and venue conflicts
Hotel hurdles and venue conflicts
Charlotte’s bid faced several obstacles despite the city’s historical connection to the tournament. One major challenge was meeting the CIAA’s hotel requirements – host cities must provide 500 hotel rooms for conference staff, sponsors, officials, and media at a maximum rate of $200 per night, with additional rooms for fans at no more than $225 per night.
Venue complications also hampered Charlotte’s proposal. While the city offered the Spectrum Center for two of the three bid years (2028-2030), it proposed relocating to Bojangles Coliseum for one year due to scheduling conflicts. This split-venue approach contradicted the CIAA’s preference for a centralized uptown location, similar to how Washington D.C. seeks to retain the Wizards by maintaining venue consistency.
Head-to-head: A tale of two bids
Head-to-head: A tale of two bids
The competition between Baltimore and Charlotte highlighted their different approaches and capabilities. Baltimore offered consistency with a single venue (CFG Bank Arena) and demonstrated compliance with hotel requirements. Charlotte proposed multiple venues and struggled with hotel pricing guidelines.
The contrast in approaches mirrors other recent sports expansions, such as Denver’s NWSL expansion team, where facility readiness and economic planning were critical success factors.
Baltimore’s proven economic success of $32.5 million from the 2024 tournament provided tangible evidence of its capability, while Charlotte’s bid relied more heavily on projected impacts and historical performance from its previous 15-year tenure.
Conclusion
The CIAA Tournament’s continued presence in Baltimore through 2029 represents an important victory for Charm City and a setback for Charlotte’s ambitions. Baltimore’s successful combination of economic impact, venue consistency, and focus on the basketball experience ultimately carried the day.
For Charlotte, this decision provides an opportunity to reassess its approach and potentially prepare a stronger bid for the tournament beyond 2029. Meanwhile, Baltimore can continue building its relationship with this historic HBCU event, further cementing its position as a premier destination for collegiate athletics.
William covers the sports world with passion and precision — from transfer rumors to game-changing performances. With a sharp eye for trends and a love for bold storytelling, he brings fans closer to the action, one article at a time.
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