Iverson Classic Announces Financial Education Collaboration with Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment
Partnership Brings Financial Education to Nation's Top High School Basketball Prospects During All-American Week in Hampton, Virginia
HAMPTON, Va., April 2026 -- The Iverson Classic, Allen Iverson's nationally recognized high school All-American basketball event, today announced Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment as its Official Financial Education Sponsor, where the leading wealth manager will bring financial education programming directly to the athletes participating in the 2026 Iverson Classic All-American Week.
As part of the sponsorship, Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment will conduct on-site financial education workshops and sessions with Iverson Classic All-Americans during the week's programming. The sessions are designed to equip elite young athletes with foundational financial knowledge, helping them prepare for the opportunities and responsibilities that accompany high-level athletic careers, both on and off the basketball court.
The Iverson Classic has long operated at the intersection of basketball, culture, and community impact. This collaboration reflects the event's ongoing commitment to develop the whole athlete, not just the basketball player.
The Iverson Classic is the first major All-American event to integrate leadership and financial education training into its on-ground curriculum. The Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment alignment enhances that foundation, providing participants access to one of the world's leading financial services institutions during a pivotal moment in their development.
"Basketball opened every door for me, but I had to figure out a lot of things on my own. I'm not letting that happen to these kids if I can help it. That's why this sponsorship with Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment is important. We're putting them in the room with the right people while they're still young enough for it to help change everything for the better."
-- Allen Iverson, Co-Founder, Iverson Classic
"The Iverson Classic has always been about more than basketball. We prepare these young men for life, and that starts with understanding how to manage what they earn. Having Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment in the building during All-American Week sends a clear message that we take that responsibility seriously."
-- Jai Manselle, Co-Founder, Iverson Classic
"The Iverson Classic celebrates the very best of high school basketball, and Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment is proud to serve as the event's Official Financial Education Sponsor. As these All-Americans take the next step in their athletic and academic journeys, we're pleased to help equip them with practical financial education designed to build confidence, promote informed decision-making, and support their long-term financial well-being. We're honored to support the Iverson Classic to help these student-athletes prepare not only for their basketball careers, but for the futures they're building far beyond them."
-- Sandra L. Richards, Head of Global Sports & Entertainment and Segment Sales & Engagement, Morgan Stanley
"It is vital these young men are given the tools to navigate life properly on the financial side. The earlier we can get this information in front of them, the better we are as a community. We are hearing too many horror stories at the high school, college level, and beyond right now. In aligning with Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment, we are doing everything we can to ensure we do our part as an organization. We want them getting the correct information coming directly from the best in the business at Morgan Stanley. The ball eventually stops bouncing and these athletes' playing days will end, but being financially responsible is something we have to navigate for our entire lives."
-- Bobby Bates Jr., Co-Founder, Iverson Classic
The 2026 Iverson Classic All-American Week runs April 29 through May 3 in Hampton, Virginia, with the flagship All-American Game taking place May 2 at the Hampton Coliseum. Now in its 10th year, the event also commemorates the 30th anniversary of Allen Iverson's entry into the NBA. The Iverson Classic has amassed over 1 billion organic digital viewers across its decade-long history and has worked with broadcast networks including Showtime, CBS, Sling, and Triller.
For sponsorship inquiries, contact partner@iversonclassic.com.
About the Iverson Classic
Founded in 2016 by Allen Iverson, Bobby Bates Jr., and Jai Manselle, the Iverson Classic is an annual high school All-American basketball showcase, now in its 10th year. Held in Hampton, Virginia, the event has grown into the number one All-American game in the country, called the "most competitive game in the country" by Slam Magazine. The event features the nation's top prospects competing in a week of events culminating in the All-American Game at the Hampton Coliseum. Beyond competition, the Iverson Classic provides mentorship, community programming, and life skills development for participating athletes. Alumni of the event have gone on to be drafted and signed at every level of professional basketball.
About Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment
Morgan Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment is a division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management that offers specialized wealth planning capabilities and global resources to help athletes, artists and entertainment professionals achieve their financial goals. It was established in 2014 to serve the distinct needs of individuals and institutions in rapidly evolving sports and entertainment fields, such as music, film, esports and digital media. The division consists of approximately 400 Financial Advisors who are Global Sports and Entertainment Directors, Global Sports and Entertainment Associate Directors, and/or NFLPA Registered Institutional Player Financial Advisors; several of whom are former professional and collegiate athletes. For more information, please visit www.morganstanley.com/gse.
About Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, a global leader, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses, and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, cash management and lending products and services, annuities and insurance, retirement, and trust services.
About Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, wealth management, and investment management services. With offices in 42 countries, the Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions, and individuals. For more information about Morgan Stanley, visit www.morganstanley.com.