The NBA Celebrity Game 2026 tipped off on Friday, February 13, 2026, as part of the 75th NBA All-Star Weekend in the Los Angeles area. The annual showcase once again delivered a mix of basketball, entertainment, and crossover star power, drawing major attention from fans across the United States.
Held at the iconic Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, the event aired live on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET. It marked the opening night of All-Star festivities and set the tone for the rest of the weekend’s high-profile events.
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What Is the NBA Celebrity Game?
The NBA Celebrity Game is a fan-favorite exhibition that blends pop culture and sports. Celebrities, former NBA players, professional athletes from other leagues, musicians, actors, influencers, and media personalities compete in a light-hearted but competitive matchup.
Although the game does not impact official NBA standings, it consistently generates major viewership and social media engagement. Many participants bring legitimate athletic experience, making the action surprisingly competitive each year.
The 2026 edition carried the official title of the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.
2026 NBA Celebrity Game: Event Details
Here are the confirmed details from this year’s event:
- Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
- Location: Kia Forum, Inglewood, California
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
- Occasion: Opening night of NBA All-Star Weekend
The Kia Forum provided a vibrant setting for the event. Fans filled the arena early, creating an electric atmosphere before the Rising Stars Challenge and other marquee weekend competitions.
Team Lineups and Coaches
Two teams faced off in this year’s game, each coached by notable figures from the basketball and entertainment worlds.
Team Giannis
Coaching Staff:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo
- Alex Antetokounmpo
- Mookie Betts
Players:
- Cafu
- Jenna Bandy
- Shams Charania
- Tacko Fall
- Rome Flynn
- GloRilla
- Keegan-Michael Key
- Jeremy Lin
- Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Dylan Wang
- Rick Schnall
This roster blended former NBA talent, professional athletes, entertainers, and media figures. Jeremy Lin and Tacko Fall brought strong basketball credentials, while Amon-Ra St. Brown added NFL athleticism to the mix.
Team Anthony Anderson
Coaching Staff:
- Anthony Anderson
- Lethal Shooter
- Chris Brickley
Players:
- Keenan Allen
- Badshah
- Andre De Grasse
- Mat Ishbia
- Cody Jones
- Simu Liu
- Mustard
- Adrien Nunez
- Taylor Frankie Paul
- Nicolas Vansteenberghe
- Jason “White Chocolate” Williams
Team Anthony Anderson featured Olympic speed, NFL experience, music industry stars, and former NBA playmaking from Jason Williams. The lineup reflected the broad entertainment appeal that defines the event.
On-Court Highlights
The NBA Celebrity Game 2026 delivered strong individual performances and plenty of crowd-pleasing moments.
Former NBA players showed flashes of high-level skill, while active professional athletes from other sports displayed impressive coordination and explosiveness. The competitive energy stayed high throughout the game, with several lead changes keeping fans engaged.
Jeremy Lin’s ball control and decision-making stood out. Tacko Fall provided interior presence and rim protection. Jason Williams energized the crowd with creative passes and flashy moves reminiscent of his NBA days.
Athletes from outside basketball also impressed. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Keenan Allen showcased footwork and agility, while Olympic sprinter Andre De Grasse demonstrated quickness in transition.
Halftime Entertainment
The halftime show added another layer of excitement. The performance highlighted the global reach of the NBA brand and reinforced All-Star Weekend as both a sports and entertainment spectacle.
Music, celebrity appearances, and fan interaction kept the arena atmosphere lively from start to finish.
Why the NBA Celebrity Game Remains Popular
Several factors explain the event’s continued success:
- Cross-Sport Appeal: NFL players, Olympic athletes, and former NBA stars share the floor.
- Entertainment Value: Actors, musicians, and influencers bring mainstream audiences.
- All-Star Weekend Buzz: It launches the most anticipated basketball weekend of the season.
- Social Media Impact: Clips and highlights trend quickly across platforms.
The event bridges traditional sports audiences and entertainment fans. It also gives celebrities a chance to compete in front of a national television audience.
Role in All-Star Weekend
The NBA Celebrity Game sets the tone for the rest of All-Star Weekend. It builds momentum heading into:
- Rising Stars Challenge
- Skills Challenge
- Three-Point Contest
- Slam Dunk Contest
- 75th NBA All-Star Game
By the time Saturday and Sunday events begin, excitement has already peaked thanks to Friday night’s showcase.
Fan Experience at Kia Forum
Fans at the Kia Forum experienced more than just basketball. The venue featured:
- Interactive sponsor activations
- Celebrity meet-and-greet opportunities
- Merchandise pop-ups
- Themed All-Star installations
The Los Angeles area provided a fitting backdrop for a star-driven event. The city’s entertainment culture aligned perfectly with the game’s format.
Impact Beyond the Court
The NBA Celebrity Game has grown into more than just a fun exhibition — it has become a meaningful platform for charitable efforts and community outreach tied to NBA All-Star Weekend.
In 2026, participants once again supported a range of philanthropic initiatives. Many players and celebrities used their appearance in the game to spotlight youth development programs, health and wellness campaigns, and community empowerment projects. Several of the celebrity roster members are known for their ongoing charity work, and their involvement helped raise awareness and donations for causes they care about.
A key focus this year involved empowering underserved youth through sports and education. Some celebrity participants have locally partnered with organizations that fund free basketball clinics, mentorship programs, and college readiness workshops. Others highlighted national campaigns addressing youth mental health and access to athletic facilities in low-income neighborhoods.
Off the court, social media activity around the Celebrity Game included fundraising challenges and charity collaborations. Participating stars leveraged their large followings to encourage fans to contribute to causes such as scholarships, safe play spaces for kids, and non-profits working to support families in need. This elevated engagement expanded the game’s reach beyond the arena and turned viral moments into real-world impact.
By linking entertainment and competition with purpose-driven efforts, the NBA Celebrity Game enhances its cultural relevance. Fans tune in not only for the basketball and star power, but also to support the positive outcomes and initiatives the event helps amplify — making it an event that resonates long after the final buzzer.
Looking Ahead
With strong television ratings and widespread online engagement, the NBA Celebrity Game continues to thrive as a staple of All-Star Weekend. Each year introduces new personalities and fresh matchups.
The 2026 edition reinforced the event’s ability to merge sports and entertainment in a way that appeals to a broad American audience. From former NBA stars to Grammy-winning musicians and Olympic athletes, the lineup showcased the NBA’s cultural influence.
The NBA Celebrity Game 2026 once again proved that basketball can unite different industries under one spotlight.
What was your favorite moment from this year’s NBA Celebrity Game? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned for more All-Star Weekend coverage.
