The Barclays Center was transformed into “The Yard.” On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the Brooklyn Nets hosted their highly anticipated “HBCU Homecoming Presented by Pepsi Bottling Co.” The Nets took on the Charlotte Hornets. Also, the evening featured a pregame activation by The Lay Out that celebrated HBCUs.
The evening also included a halftime performance by the Howard University Marching Band, the Nets Beats Drumline, the Brooklynettes (in collaboration with Howard University), and a Divine 9 Step Show.
Additionally, 1500 local high school students and educators gathered for a college fair at Brooklyn Basketball Training Center. Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to meet directly with HBCU admissions teams.
THE NETS REAFFIRMED THEIR ONGOING COMMITMENT TO THE BROOKLYN COMMUNITY
Jackie Wilson, SVP of Social Impact, spoke about how Nets Unite is impacting Brooklyn and beyond.
“The Nets Unite platform is a reflection of who we are as an organization and what we stand for in Brooklyn,” Wilson told HOT97. “It’s about creating moments that go beyond the game and bringing basketball, culture, music, and community together in a way that feels authentic to this borough.”
“At Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, we talk a lot about ‘The Brooklyn Way,’ and Nets Unite brings that to life in a very real way,” he continued. It’s rooted in connection, inclusivity, and celebrating the voices and stories that define Brooklyn.”
Wilson also shared how the Net Unite came about with the HBCU Homecoming.
“HBCU Homecoming, presented by Pepsi Bottling Company, was born from a desire to authentically celebrate the legacy of HBCUs. It’s something that resonates deeply in communities across the country, and in Brooklyn every day.”
“As we worked with our partners at Pepsi to bring the night to life, it was important that we didn’t just acknowledge that culture. But fully immerse our fans in it. The Howard University Marching Band represents excellence, tradition, and pride, and bringing them to Barclays Center was a natural way to do that,” Wilson continued. “It’s an opportunity to merge that rich legacy with the global platform we have here. It gives our fans a true taste of the HBCU experience in a way that’s vibrant and meaningful.
Wilson went on to say that Nets Unite has received an overwhelmingly great response from the local community.
“The response to Nets Unite has been tremendous. And HBCU Homecoming continues to be one of our most impactful and anticipated nights,” said Wilson. “What stands out is that fans aren’t just coming for a game, they’re showing up for a full experience. There’s a different level of energy in the building when people feel personally connected to what’s happening on the court and beyond it.
“Initiatives like Nets Unite and HBCU Homecoming resonate because they extend beyond a single night,” he added. “They help us build lasting relationships with our community. And reinforce Barclays Center as a place where people feel seen, celebrated, and represented.”
‘HBCU HOMECOMING’ WAS A WIN FOR BROOKLYN
Although the Hornets came out victorious (117–86), the night was a resounding victory for the Brooklyn community. It was filled with energy and was a powerful tribute to the legacy of HBCU excellence.