• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

Chris Paul: From HBCU Advocate to HBCU Graduate

  • NBA superstar graduating Friday from Winston-Salem State University.
  • Kevin Durant, Charles Barkley among celebrities donating to HBCUs.
Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul holds ball and argues with referee
Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

Both of NBA superstar Chris Paul’s parents attended Winston-Salem State University. 

On Friday, the Phoenix Suns point guard’s educational journey will become complete as he graduates from the historically black college with a degree in interdisciplinary studies. 

The 12-time NBA All-Star has been working on and off toward his college degree since 2003. He initially pursued a bachelor’s degree at Wake Forest but left after two years for the pros. Since picking up his textbooks again, Paul has focused on mass communication and sports management. 

“When you start something, you want to see it through; you want to finish it,” Paul told the New York Times. “And even though I was blessed and fortunate to go to the NBA, I still wanted to graduate.”

Paul’s at the forefront of a growing number of athletes and media personalities trying to give more financial support to and attention to historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs.

This weekend in Las Vegas, the second annual Chris Paul HBCU Challenge features four teams, in a showcase of HBCU talent. The participating schools are Hampton, Norfolk State, North Carolina A&T, and Texas Southern.

  • Nicknamed CP3, Paul is opening accounts worth $100 for his 350 classmates, according to the New York Times.
  • Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant’s foundation is donating $500,000 to Bowie State University, the oldest HBCU in Maryland.
  • TNT star NBA analyst Charles Barkley has pledged to donate $1 million apiece to Bethune Cookman University and Jackson State University.  

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Connecticut Sun

Connecticut Senators Rip WNBA Handling of Sun Sale

The Senators are urging the league to stay out of the negotiations.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22), Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10), Indiana Fever assistant coach Karima Christmas-Kelly and Indiana Fever assistant coach Briann January celebrate Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 97-77.

Indiana Fever Clinch Playoff Berth Even Without Caitlin Clark

The Fever will host at least one playoff game.
Unrivaled

Unrivaled Hits $340M Valuation, Doubles Revenue Projections

The startup women’s basketball league is rapidly growing after one season.
Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.

Featured Today

Tennis

The US Open Is Groaning Under the Weight of Its Own Success

New York’s tennis major is more popular than ever.
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 5, 2025

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
Sep 6, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; South Florida Bulls place kicker Nico Gramatica (7), South Florida Bulls long snapper Turner McLaughlin (48) and teammates celebrate after a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

USF Is the Newest Financial Underdog in the AP Top 25

USF’s athletic department brings in half the amount Florida does.
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) and linebacker C.J. Hicks (11) shake hands while leaving the field following the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Ohio State won 14-7
September 6, 2025

How Ohio State Rebuilt Its NIL Strategy in the Rev-Share Era

The Buckeyes are staying “aggressive” in the new NIL landscape.
September 7, 2025

Oklahoma-Michigan Was a Battle of Dueling QB NIL Philosophies

Bryce Underwood got into a heated exchange with his teammate.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
September 5, 2025

NIL Go Corrects Its Data From $80M in Deals Cleared to $35M,..

It’s another bump in the rocky rollout of the new NIL clearinghouse.
September 5, 2025

NCAA Headed Toward Single Football Transfer-Portal Window

A new winter window would run Jan. 2–11.
Arch Manning
September 4, 2025

NIL Go Says It Has Cleared $80 Million in NIL Deals So..

NIL collectives, however, say the majority of their deals are in limbo.
Workers set up the stages for the “Fox Big Noon Kickoff” sports show live telecast before Saturday’s Iowa State and Iowa football game at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa.
exclusive
September 3, 2025

Big 12 Embraces Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports

The conference held a call with Portnoy to discuss coverage and collaboration.