During 2025-2026 Season NBA And NBPA Will Honor 75th Anniversary Of First Black Players
It wasn’t that long ago that black men were not allowed to participate in the National Basketball Association. But three men did blaze a trail for many others to come behind them and transform the sport. They are Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper, and Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton. Together they made history. So on Thursday it was announced that during the 2025-2026 season the The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) will honor the 75th anniversary of the first black players.
To get this tradition started the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics will tip off Black History Month and celebrate NBA Pioneers Day with the inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Going forward, the NBA Pioneers Classic will be played between two NBA teams on Feb. 1 – NBA Pioneers Day – each year to recognize the start of Black History Month and honor the legacy of the NBA Pioneers. As part of the matchup, the Bucks and Celtics will be outfitted with commemorative jersey patches and warm-up shirts, with the winning team receiving the NBA Pioneers Trophy.
We’re so used to seeing black players in the league now but that wasn’t always the case. So what did those three pioneers accomplish? Lloyd, Cooper, and Clifton entered the National Basketball Association in 1950. Cooper was the first Black man to be drafted by an NBA team. Clifton was the first to sign an NBA contract. And on Oct. 31, 1950, Lloyd, a member of the Washington Capitols, became the first Black man to play in an NBA game when he entered a game against the Rochester Royals.
During 2025-2026 Season NBA And NBPA Will Honor 75th Anniversary Of First Black Players
Recognizing their contributions Erika Swilley commented:
“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary and legacy of the NBA Pioneers Chuck Cooper, Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton and Earl Lloyd we are reminded that if not for the courage, determination, and resilience of Black athletes, our league would not be what it is today,” said NBPA Foundation Executive Director Erika Swilley. “Our players thank them for paving the way for future generations and for their impact that extends far beyond the basketball court.”
What they went through just to play a game was incredibly difficult and disheartening. They were denied service at restaurants, not allowed to stay in hotels, and were even spit at or on. So it’s necessary for everyone to be aware of their trials and sacrifices to ensure that type of unfair treatment does not return. Kudos to the NBA and NBPA for creating this important celebration. We hope it will be in place for many years to come!
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