Hampton University Takes Center Stage During NBA All-Star Weekend with NIL Support From DSP
Hampton, Va. – (February 6, 2026) Hampton University's men's basketball team will take center stage at the Kia Forum in a historic rivalry game. On Friday, February 13, 2026, the Pirates will face North Carolina A&T in the NBA HBCU Classic during All-Star Weekend. Reflecting a
long-standing dedication to historically black institutions, the NBA is donating $100,000 to the universities.
For Hampton University, one of the nation’s most storied HBCUs, this matchup represents more than just athletic visibility. It is a broader platform for student-athletes as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) continues to reshape college sports. Supporting Hampton in this evolving space is 68 Oak, the university’s official NIL Collective. Founded by alumni and investors like Jeff Granger, the collective seeks to turn student potential into "generational success" by providing a professionalized support structure.
To commemorate the moment, 68 Oak has launched a special All-Star Jersey Giveaway to engage the global “Pirate Nation”. Now through Feb. 16, 2026, fans can enter for a chance to win an official Hampton University team jersey from the All-Star Game. The giveaway is a cornerstone of 68 Oak's strategic effort to deepen its connection with supporters. The momentum from the game translates into long-term advocacy for its student-athlete support programs.
"The 68 Oak Collective has emerged as a vital player in this new era, providing Pirate supporters with a unique and invaluable opportunity to connect with and directly support our athletes," said Anthony D. Henderson Sr., Director of Athletics at Hampton University.
68 Oak’s mission recently expanded through a new partnership with Digital Sports Partners (DSP), a national sports marketing and NIL agency, to redefine the student-athlete experience. By focusing on high-impact digital branding and sponsorship development, the partnership has already begun opening new pipelines for national and regional brand opportunities.
“At DSP, this collaboration holds particular significance as 68 Oak continues to grow its presence in the NIL space. Hampton University has a long history of shaping scholars, leaders, and athletes whose achievements resonate across generations, and we aim to help strengthen the support system that encourages alumni to give back,” said Debra Lutsky, Co-Founder of Digital Sports Partners based in Virginia.
As Hampton prepares for tipoff in Los Angeles, this moment highlights how NIL collectives, strategic partners, and institutions are working together to create meaningful opportunities for student-athletes that last long after the final buzzer.
About Digital Sports Partners
Digital Sports Partners (DSP) is a national sports marketing and NIL management company dedicated to empowering student-athletes and universities by creating impactful NIL collectives. As a division of Digital Retail Partners, DSP leverages decades of expertise in branding, marketing, and digital strategy to help mid-major and smaller universities compete in the evolving NIL landscape. Through strategic partnerships with schools, businesses, and alumni, DSP provides athletes with the tools and opportunities to maximize their personal brands, secure sponsorships, and build lasting careers beyond college athletics. To learn more, visit digitalsportspartners.com.
About 68 Oak
Hampton Athletics has always been focused on the welfare of student athletes in three main areas: athletic excellence, academic achievement, and community engagement. 68 Oak takes this dedication a notch higher. Every partnership that we help establish, every deal we negotiate, and every dollar we raise is turned around to benefit those student athletes who continually motivate us. These young talents put in a lot of hard work, and we, in turn, want to acknowledge that hard work and invest in their future.
Media Contact: Digital Sports Partners Debra Lutsky
Co-Founder + Partner, DSP
debra@digitalsportspartners.com
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