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Womens Pro Basketball
Invitational Tournament.

April 6 -10, 2027

A Premier National Showcase for Elite Collegiate Talent

@Chartway Arena

The Women’s Professional Basketball Invitational Tournament (WPBIT) is a first-of-its-kind, high-profile event designed to spotlight the nation’s top draft-eligible female basketball players as they prepare to transition into professional opportunities in the WNBA and international leagues.

Hosted at Old Dominion University’s Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, this three-day showcase will bring together the best of women’s collegiate basketball, national media partners, and a global audience.

    The Teams

    • Conferences: Atlantic 10, CAA, MEAC, CIAA, Sun Belt
    • ACC Teams (UVA, UNC, Duke)
    • BIG 10 Teams (University of Maryland, Purdue)
    • Elite Selection: 48 senior athletes invited by conference and coaching representatives based on academic and athletic excellence.
    • Eight (8) players per team
    • Coaches: chosen by WNBA Retired Players Associations

    Event Dates: April 6–10, 2027

    • Wed. 4/7 Met Gala - Style Red Carpet Entrance & Gala
    • * Thu 4/8Tournament Games (Three Games/Day)
    • Fri 4/9 Tournament Games (Three Games/Day)
    • Sat 4/10 Championship Games & Trophy Presentations
    • • Championship Game
    • • Consolation Game
    • • Skills Competition *Gameplay:

    All games follow WNBA rules and regulations

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    Location

    Chartway Arena,
    Old Dominion University

    4320 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23529

    About Us

    Founder

    Charles Hatcher

    Coach Hatcher - His career began in Norfolk, Virginia where he garnered a number of high school honors, the 1st African American to be voted the “Most Outstanding Basketball Player”, the 1st African American to be named to the All-City, All-District, and All-State teams. Charles was also named 2nd team Pepsi Cola All-American in 1965. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he played basketball and was named All-Navy and All- Interservice.

    That led to being invited to the Olympic Trials and playing in Europe. He attended Elizabeth State University, he became a free agent draftee in the American Basketball Association (ABA). He coached with the Pro Athletes in Action Tours, the National Basketball Association Summer Tour. In 2003, He created the radio show “Sports Inside and Out". The show features sports legends and celebrities that is currently being streamed.

    Charles Hatcher
    Founder
    Nancy Lieberman
    Project Advisor

    Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer

    Nancy Lieberman

    Lieberman in her early basketball career earned the nickname "Lady Magic,". Two -Time National Champion, Old Dominion University 1979/1980. Two -Time player of the year in Women’s College Basketball. Lieberman also a Two -Time Basketball Hall of Famer, Two -Time Olympian (Silver medalist), and she is the Founder and President of Nancy Lieberman Charities.

    She is a broadcaster for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA) as well as the head coach of Power, a team in the BIG3 which she led to its 2018 Championship. Lieberman is regarded as one of the greatest figures in American women's basketball.

    Curt Simmons
    Executive In Charge Of Production
    Maxzella Fourqurean

    Co-Producer

    Kathy Yevak
    Executive In Charge Of Marketing
    Amanda Ludwig
    Marketing Coordinator
    Aaron Phillips

    Host "The Voice of 757"

    Tournament Leadership

    Richard Lapchick

    His lifelong dedication to social justice has earned him numerous accolades: The ESPY's Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award , The Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award, Induction into the Sports Hall of Fame, The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition's Lifetime Achievement Award

    Major Jones

    A graduate of Albany State University, played in the CBA, earning Rookie of the Year honors and was drafted by the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. He also played 6 seasons for the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons, played in 374 regular-season games.

    Charlie Neal

    Known as the voice of Black College Sports… He is the recipient of the Chris Shenkel award from the National Football Foundation, becoming the first African American to receive that award. He has also been inducted into the MEAC, CIAA, and Black College Football Halls of Fame. He currently serves as Chairman of the selection committee for the Black College Football Hall of Fame.

    Susan Summons

    A legendary 7-time Hall of Fame coach, educator, and trailblazer. A former Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL) player with the New Jersey Gems and New England Gulls. Summons made history as the first Black female coach in NJCAA history to receive both the National History Maker Award and the NJCAA Legacy Award.

    Cynthia Cooper

    Two-time Olympian and two-time National Champion at University of Southern California. Four-time WNBA Champion with the Houston Comets, Women’s Professional Basketball ESPY Award Winner. The first WNBA player to reach 500, 1000, 2000, and 2500 points.

    Rick Darnell

    He is the Los Angeles Chapter President, National Basketball Retired Players Association. He is also a retired professional basketball center who played in the American Basketball Association with the Virginia Squires

    Lut Williams,

    Lut Williams, is owner of AZEEZ Communications Inc., an author/writer and communications specialist now based in Atlanta who has served for the last 32 years as publisher/editor of the Black College Sports Page (BCSP). He has worked in various fields as executive producer for live televised games, documentaries, seminars and media events.

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