**RICHMOND, VA —** While much of Richmond's preseason basketball attention centers on VCU and the University of Richmond, another important chapter of the city's basketball story is unfolding at Virginia Union University.
The Panthers are preparing for the 2026–27 season, with both basketball programs approaching their November openers and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announcing new opportunities for young performers to participate in its 2027 championship celebration.
For Richmond basketball fans, the coming months offer competitive basketball, historic rivalries, and opportunities for community involvement.
## Panthers Begin Their Preseason Journey
Virginia Union's men's basketball team has already completed two preseason contests.
The Panthers fell 79–61 to Hampton University in an October 10 exhibition before recording a 71–62 scrimmage victory over Prince George's Community College on October 17 at Barco-Stevens Hall, according to the university's official athletics schedule.
Those results are preseason contests, not regular-season victories.
The men's regular-season opener is scheduled for November 9 against Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Virginia Union then travels to West Virginia for the Earl Lloyd Classic, facing Glenville State on November 13 and West Virginia State on November 14.
The Panthers return to Richmond on November 19 for a 7:30 p.m. matchup against Bluefield State, followed by a November 21 home game against Winston-Salem State.
Those early contests will provide an opportunity to evaluate the team's development as conference competition begins.
## Women's Basketball Prepares for November Return
Virginia Union's women's basketball program is also approaching its return to competition.
The Panthers are scheduled to scrimmage the University of Mary Washington on October 31 before visiting Longwood University for a November 6 exhibition.
Their regular-season opener is scheduled for November 9 against Chowan University at Barco-Stevens Hall.
The women's program will share several home dates with the men's team, including November 19 against Bluefield State and November 21 against Winston-Salem State.
For local basketball supporters, those shared dates create opportunities to follow both programs during the same visit to Virginia Union's home court.
## CIAA Expands Opportunities Beyond Basketball
The conference's newest announcement extends beyond the players competing on the hardwood.
On October 8, the CIAA announced expanded youth engagement programming for its 2027 Basketball Tournament, including high school cheerleading and band exhibitions.
Registration officially opened October 15.
Participating high school cheer teams, competition cheer programs, high school bands, and qualifying community-based youth bands will have opportunities to perform during tournament celebrations.
The exhibitions are scheduled to culminate February 27 at the Sprite Soundstage during CIAA Fan Fest inside the Baltimore Convention Center.
The initiative creates another pathway for young performers to experience the atmosphere surrounding historically Black college athletics.
Interested programs can find registration information through the conference's official announcement.
## The Road to Baltimore
The 2027 CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament is scheduled for February 23–27 at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore.
The event will feature the conference's 12 member institutions and celebrate the 81st men's championship and 52nd women's championship.
Tickets officially went on sale October 9. The conference's introductory discount ended October 11.
For Virginia Union, the tournament represents the postseason destination. For Richmond basketball supporters, it offers another opportunity to follow the Panthers while celebrating the traditions of HBCU athletics.
## Why This Matters for Richmond Basketball
Richmond's basketball identity extends well beyond one university, conference, or competitive level.
Virginia Union contributes to that identity through its college basketball programs, historic conference rivalries, and connection to HBCU athletic culture.
The upcoming season also provides younger basketball players and performers with opportunities to experience collegiate competition and the communities surrounding it.
With preseason basketball underway and the CIAA expanding youth participation, there is plenty for Richmond basketball supporters to follow.
**The road to the 2027 CIAA Tournament is beginning, and Virginia Union is part of the story.**