TWENTY YEARS OF HONORING THE GREATEST PLAYERS, COACHES AND CONTRIBUTORS IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL HISTORY
The College Basketball Experience • October 22, 2026 • Kansas City, MO
The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Celebration honors the legacy of the college game in a city that has long stood at its center.
On October 22, the Class of 2026 will be recognized at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City for their legendary influence on teams, traditions, and classic moments on the court. The evening pays tribute to the players, coaches, and contributors whose achievements elevated the sport and strengthened its place in American culture. It is a celebration of history and the unique spirit of college basketball.
Schedule of Events
6:00 PM
Exclusive Sponsor Meet & Greet
An intimate, curated gathering offering select partners personal access, conversation, and photo opportunities with Hall of Fame legends
6:30 PM
VIP Reception
A high-energy VIP reception as the Class of 2026 arrives in style, featuring music, cocktails, and premium sponsor hospitality
6:45 PM
Red Carpet Entrance
The Hall of Fame spectacle brightens as inductees make their grand entrance, celebrated by fans, media, and distinguished guests
7:00 PM
Dinner on Center Court
Center Court transforms into an elegant awards setting for a three-course dinner, with guests seated just steps away from the inductees
8:00 PM
Induction Ceremony
A highly produced enshrinement celebration honoring the Class of 2026 through storytelling, interviews, video retrospectives, and medal presentations
HALL OF FAME
CLASS OF 2026
COACHES
Ted Owens
The legendary mastermind who anchored University of Kansas basketball excellence for nearly two decades, capturing six Big Eight titles and two Final Four berths.
Tubby Smith
A championship-winning tactician and one of only five coaches in history to guide five different programs to the NCAA tournament.
Jay Wright
A two-time NCAA national champion who transformed Villanova University into a modern college basketball powerhouse through unmatched culture and precision.
PLAYERS
Danny Ainge
The relentless BYU icon and 1981 National Player of the Year whose electric playmaking and competitive drive defined an era.
Walt Hazzard
The brilliant, undefeated engine of UCLA's first-ever national championship team and the 1964 National Player of the Year.
Glen Rice
The lethal University of Michigan marksman who set the all-time NCAA Tournament scoring record during the Wolverines' historic 1989 national title run.
Each induction class is selected by the Blue Ribbon Selection Committee, comprised of college basketball executives and respected leaders around the country.
GET IN THE GAME!
BECOME AN EVENT PARTNER
Celebrate the legends of college basketball and connect with a passionate national audience. Align with one of the sport’s most meaningful traditions and help elevate an event that shines a national spotlight on Kansas City and the game itself. Get in the game and become a partner on a night that honors excellence and legacy.
PARTNERSHIPS LEVELS
View Partnership Levels and Benefits Below
MVP Partnership: $20,000
Branding/Marketing
- Digital Exposure – Logo inclusion on official NCBHOF event website with sponsor listing
- Media Exposure – Corporate mention as “sponsored by” on rotation with other MVP partners during 6-8 broadcast segments with Hall of Famers on Sports Radio 810.
- On-Site Presence – Logo placement included in event branding as part of sponsor rotational acknowledgement on video screens
Event Tickets & Hospitality
- Dinner & Awards Show: One (1) premium table for eight (8) guests in prime location, front row
- Hall of Fame inductee seated with your group - MVP partners get first choice following the Presenting Sponsor selection
- Red Carpet & VIP Reception: Eight (8) tickets
Premium Engagement with Inductees
- Eight (8) tickets to private Meet & Greet with Hall of Fame inductees
- Four (4) tickets to exclusive media event during afternoon of induction event
Premium Item
- One (1) basketball autographed by Hall of Fame inductees
- NABC Basketball Game Tickets
- Eight (8) tickets to NABC sanctioned basketball game at T-Mobile Center in 2026
- Teams to be announced at a later date
Pre- or Post-Event Virtual Conference
- Access for up to 10 employees and/or customers to an exclusive video call with college basketball dignitary talking basketball, leadership and personal development tools (HOF inductee, current or former coach, national media personality or collegiate executive).
BECOME AN EVENT PARTNER NOW
All-American Partnership: $10,000
Branding/Marketing
- Digital Exposure – Logo inclusion on official NCBHOF event website with sponsor listing
- On-Site Presence – Logo placement included in event branding as part of sponsor rotational acknowledgement on video screens
Event Tickets & Premium Item
- Dinner & Awards Show: One (1) table for eight (8) guests
- Red Carpet & VIP Reception: Eight (8) tickets
- Two (2) tickets to private Meet & Greet with Hall of Fame inductees
- Two (2) tickets to exclusive media event during afternoon of induction event
- One (1) basketball autographed by Hall of Fame inductees
NABC Basketball Game Tickets
- Four (4) tickets to NABC sanctioned basketball game at T-Mobile Center in 2026
- Teams to be announced at a later date
Pre- or Post-Event Virtual Conference
- Access for up to 10 employees and/or customers to an exclusive video call with college basketball dignitary talking basketball, leadership and personal development tools (HOF inductee, current or former coach, national media personality or collegiate executive).
BECOME AN EVENT PARTNER NOW
All-League Partnership: $5,000
Branding/Marketing
- Digital Exposure – Logo inclusion on official NCBHOF event website with sponsor listing
- On-Site Presence – Logo placement included in event branding as part of sponsor rotational acknowledgement on video screens
Event Tickets
- Dinner & Awards Show: One (1) table for eight (8) guests
BECOME AN EVENT PARTNER NOW
Thank You To Our Partners
PRESENTED BY
MVP PARTNERS
ALL-AMERICAN PARTNERS
ALL-LEAGUE PARTNERS
INDUCTEE CHAMPION
INDUCTEE SUPPORTER
MEDIA PARTNER
National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame
The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame celebrates the history, tradition, and lasting impact of college basketball. Located adjacent to the T-Mobile Center in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, it honors the players, coaches, and contributors who helped shape the game at the highest level. Through annual induction ceremonies, exhibits, and educational programs, the Hall of Fame shares the stories behind unforgettable moments, championship teams, and influential leaders. It stands as both a tribute to the sport’s past and a reminder of its ongoing impact across the country. By recognizing excellence and preserving these stories, the Hall of Fame helps ensure that college basketball’s legacy continues for future generations.
The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame is housed within the College Basketball Experience, an interactive fan destination where visitors can explore hands-on exhibits, test their skills on the court, and learn about the history and traditions of the college game.
Induction Celebration 2026 Steering Committee
Christina Lively
Blue KC
Bridget Kaye
Populous
Conner Teahan
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Justin Wood
Dimensional Innovations
CiCi Rojas
Tico Sports
Kim Verhoeven
T-Mobile Center
David Latlip
UMB Private Wealth Management
Davyeon Ross
ShotTracker
Chad Boeger
Union Broadcasting
Brian Johnston
Sponsorship Focus
Gary Heise
Premier Sports Management
