The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have introduced the NBA Pioneers Scholarship, created to honor Chuck Cooper, Earl Lloyd, and Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton, the league’s first Black players.
The scholarship marks the 75th anniversary of their entry into the league. The NBA Foundation and NBPA Foundation will provide $750,000 in funding over five years, with $150,000 awarded annually to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) academic and athletic programs.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul highlighted the significance of the initiative in a statement. He noted that the scholarship is meant to commemorate the pioneers’ lasting impact on the NBA while investing in the future of HBCU athletics, academic enrichment, and professional development.
The inaugural recipients are West Virginia State University and Xavier University of Louisiana, the alma maters of the three pioneers. Cooper and Lloyd played at West Virginia State, while Clifton competed at Xavier.
The NBA will continue to celebrate the pioneers during Black History Month and at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles. Off the court, the league will also host community events and activations tied to the anniversary.
As part of All-Star weekend, the NBA confirmed that the 5th annual NBA HBCU Classic will feature Hampton University and North Carolina A&T State University.
