Los Angeles to Host 2026 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game with Hollywood Flair
The National Basketball Association has officially announced that the 2026 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will be held in Los Angeles, California, promising one of the most exciting weekends of the basketball season. The event is scheduled for Friday, February 13, at 7:00 PM Eastern Time, taking place at the iconic Kia Forum in Inglewood. This celebrity showcase embodies typical Hollywood style, featuring a diverse roster of athletes, entertainers, and digital creators from various fields.
Coaching Lineup and Team Rosters Unveiled
The coaching staff for the two teams brings together impressive talent from sports and entertainment. Team 1 will be led by two-time NBA MVP and champion Giannis Antetokounmpo, alongside his brothers Thanasis and Alex Antetokounmpo, and Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts, a former MVP and four-time World Series champion. On the opposing side, Team 2 will be coached by Emmy-winning actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, renowned NBA trainer Chris Brickley, and elite shooting coach known as Lethal Shooter.
Team Giannis features a remarkable array of players:
- Keegan-Michael Key: Actor, writer, and producer
- Rome Flynn: Emmy-winning actor and reigning Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP
- Jeremy Lin: NBA legend and champion
- Tacko Fall: 7-foot-6 former NBA player
- GloRilla: Multi-platinum rapper
- Shams Charania: ESPN Senior NBA insider
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: All-Pro NFL wide receiver for the Detroit Lions
- Cafu: Legendary Brazilian footballer and two-time FIFA World Cup winner
- Dylan Wang: Chinese actor and singer
- Jenna Bandy: Basketball star and social media creator
- Rick Schnall: Charlotte Hornets Co-chairman and governor
Team Anderson counters with its own star-studded lineup:
- Simu Liu: Marvel actor from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
- Badshah: Multi-platinum rapper and Indian entertainment icon
- Mustard: Multi-platinum music producer
- Jason Williams: NBA legend
- Keenan Allen: Los Angeles Chargers star and six-time NFL Pro Bowler
- Andre De Grasse: Seven-time Olympic medalist sprinter
- Cody Jones: Creator and co-founder of Dude Perfect
- Taylor Frankie Paul: Reality star and influencer
- Mat Ishbia: Phoenix Suns Chairman and governor
- Adrien Nuñez: Singer-songwriter and former college basketball player
- Nicolas Vansteenberghe: Reality star from Love Island USA
Broadcast Details and Halftime Entertainment
The 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will be exclusively broadcast on ESPN, with play-by-play commentary provided by Mark Jones and analyst Richard Jefferson, a former NBA champion known for his fan-favorite insights. Monica McNutt will serve as the sideline reporter for the event. In a historic first, the halftime show will feature a special performance by the K-pop team CORTIS, marking the debut of a K-pop act during the Celebrity Game halftime.
This year, NBC Sports has acquired the broadcasting rights for the All-Star events from TNT, with Peacock Premium serving as the primary streaming platform for major events like the Rising Stars game and All-Star Saturday Night. Peacock Premium is available for $10.99 per month, while NBC and NBCSN will televise most events. Fans can also watch the main All-Star Game for free via local NBC affiliates using a digital antenna.
The NBA and ESPN recently revealed these comprehensive details, highlighting the game's blend of sports and entertainment excellence. This event continues to be a highlight of the All-Star weekend, drawing attention from basketball enthusiasts and celebrity followers alike.
