FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 1, 2026
Location: Houston, Texas
The HBCU Basketball League (HBCUBL) is proud to announce that the HBCU Movement, the first professional basketball team in history composed entirely of HBCU athletes, has officially joined the league for its inaugural 2026 season. This groundbreaking move comes after the Movement completed a historic undefeated run in the 2024 NBL-US season, capturing the league championship in dominant fashion.
The team’s success was led by standout guard Kalil Potts (Huston-Tillotson University), who earned 2024 NBL-US League MVP honors after a season marked by elite scoring, leadership, and consistency. The championship title—combined with the program’s commitment to representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities—positioned the Movement as the perfect franchise to headline the launch of the HBCU Basketball League.
As the reigning undefeated 2024 NBL-US Champions, the HBCU Movement has always been about purpose, identity, and elevating HBCU athletes to the national stage. After winning the championship and watching Kalil Potts of Huston-Tillotson University earn League MVP, it became clear that our mission had grown beyond a single season. Joining the HBCU Basketball League was the natural next step.
This league aligns perfectly with who we are — a program built entirely on the talent, excellence, and culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The decision was based on growth, visibility, and legacy. The HBCUBL provides an exclusive platform designed for HBCU athletes, and the Movement wanted to lead that shift. We’re stepping into a league created to amplify our players’ opportunities, expand professional pathways, and represent HBCUs at the highest possible level.
We dominated in the NBL-US, but now we’re here to build history.”
— Leonard Taylor, General Manager, HBCU Movement
“The HBCU Movement joining the HBCU Basketball League is one of the most historic moments in modern Black collegiate and professional basketball. This is the first professional basketball team in history composed entirely of HBCU athletes, and to have them enter our league as undefeated champions and as the standard-bearer for excellence speaks volumes about where this league is headed.
Their arrival sets an immediate tone for what the HBCUBL will become — a showcase of elite HBCU talent, a platform for professional and college development, and a space where our culture and our athletes are celebrated without limits. I am beyond excited to welcome the Movement, and I have extremely high expectations. I expect them to elevate competition, raise the bar for every franchise, and demonstrate that HBCU athletes belong on the national and international basketball stage.
This is bigger than basketball — it’s representation, it’s opportunity, and it’s legacy. The HBCU Movement is helping us build the foundation of a league that will inspire generations.”
— Keonna Farmer, Commissioner, HBCU Basketball League
About the HBCU Movement
Founded on the principles of community, excellence, and the advancement of HBCU athletes, the HBCU Movement has quickly risen to national prominence. Their undefeated 2024 championship campaign solidified the team as one of the most dominant and culturally significant basketball programs in the country. Now, poised to enter a league built entirely around the HBCU experience, the Movement aims to continue its legacy as a pioneering franchise.
The HBCU Movement invites fans and supporters to follow their journey on social media:
About the HBCU Basketball League
Launching officially in May, 2026, the HBCU Basketball League is the first professional development league dedicated to showcasing HBCU athletes across the nation. The league provides a pathway for:
- Unsigned high-school players (ages 16–18)
- Current HBCU Students (ages 19–22)
- HBCU alumni pursuing professional opportunities (ages 23+)
The HBCUBL aims to become the leading platform for HBCU basketball visibility, player development, and cultural representation.
Season Information
Inaugural Season Dates: May 30th, 2026 – August 2nd, 2026
Location: Houston, Texas
Website: www.thehbcubl.com
Media Contact: info@thehbcubl.com