SWAC Commissioner Charles McClelland Shakes Up Conference with Bold Moves

Charles McClelland, the SWAC commissioner, has made a bold move by announcing that the SWAC men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will be relocating to Atlanta starting in the 2024-25 season. This decision, made at the conference’s football media day, aims to transform the tournament into a premier event for HBCU athletics.

The move to the Gateway Center Arena, home to the WNBA’s Dream and the G League’s College Park Skyhawks, is strategic. McClelland envisions a tournament filled with not just basketball games, but also concerts and day parties, creating an unforgettable experience for fans. With six hotels within walking distance of the arena, attendees won’t even need to rent a car.

However, the decision to have all 12 teams participate in the conference tournament starting in 2025-26 raises concerns about travel and logistics, especially for schools located in the western part of the SWAC. McClelland’s vision will need to address these challenges to ensure the tournament’s success.

Key to the success of the Atlanta experiment will be the support of SWAC schools’ alumni bases in the metro Atlanta area, as well as engaging the surrounding community. By creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, the SWAC tournament has the potential to attract a diverse audience and solidify its position as a must-attend event.

While the move may present short-term challenges, the long-term benefits of establishing the SWAC tournament in Atlanta are promising in the ever-evolving landscape of college sports. McClelland’s decisive leadership and innovative approach are sure to shape the future of HBCU athletics for years to come.