1950 is a pivotal year for the big league. On April 25, Chuck Cooper was the first black player chosen at the Draft. A month later, Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton was the first to sign with an NBA team. Finally, Earl Lloyd is the first to play a championship match on October 31.
To greet ” their resilience, their vision and their leadership (which) profoundly transformed the game “, The League and the Player Syndicate (NBPA) decided to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of these pioneers.
In this context, the Bucks and the Celtics will kick off the traditional “Black History Month” and celebrate the day of the pioneers during the first edition of the “NBA Pioneers Classic”, on Saturday, February 1.
For this meeting broadcast on ESPN, the two teams will wear commemorative badges on their jerseys as well as special heating t-shirts. The victorious team will receive the “pioneer trophy”. This match with the symbolic dimension will take place every February 1 in the future.
Tributes during the All-Star Game also
“” The courage and determination of Chuck Cooper, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton and Earl Lloyd broke barriers and changed the course in the history of the NBA. We are looking forward to paying tribute to their lasting inheritance on the occasion of this striking anniversary and for many years still », Enthuses Mark Tatum, vice-commission and director of NBA operations.
“” While we celebrate the 75th anniversary and the inheritance of the pioneers of the NBA, we must remember that without the courage, determination and resilience of black athletes, our league would not be what it is today. Our players thank them for having paved the way for future generations and for an impact that goes far beyond basketball courts “, Salves Erika Swilley, Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation.
Throughout the month of commemorations and during the All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles, the NBA and the NBPA will organize community events, will set up moments dedicated to pioneers or will share educational resources in partnership with various organizations.
“” On behalf of Cooper, Lloyd and Clifton families, we are grateful to the NBA and the NBPA for this exceptional recognition. This makes it possible to live the inheritance of our fathers and to continue to inspire future generations as well as fans “Thanks Chuck Cooper III.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCY2BCQ6RZ8
