Dawn Staley and South Carolina women’s basketball appear set to continue their growing relationship with HBCU programs, this time through a first-of-its-kind event centered on competition, culture and Name, Image and Likeness opportunities.Marketing agency Rae Rose Media teased the upcoming PowHER Player Classic this week, describing it as an “HBCU Women’s Basketball Tournament + NIL Marketplace”scheduled for November 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina.While organizers have yet to announce participating schools, game dates or the tournament format, promotional artwork strongly suggests defending national power South Carolina will be joined by at least three HBCU programs.The PowHER Player Classic would continue South Carolina’s recent willingness to schedule HBCU opponents.Last season, the Gamecocks faced three HBCU programs:vs North Carolina Central (106-42)at Coppin State (90-48)Southern (103-34) in the NCAA TournamentThose games reflected Staley’s long-standing support for HBCU athletics, a commitment she demonstrates both on and off the court throughout her coaching career.
