Inglewood, California — February 13, 2026 — The Kia Forum was transformed into an arena of entertainment, athleticism and pop culture spectacle as the 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game served as the official curtain-raiser to NBA All-Star Weekend — and it did not disappoint.
The annual showcase — blending sports stars, entertainers, social media personalities, former professional athletes and cultural icons — once again captured global attention with high energy, playful competition and surprise moments.
Game Summary
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Final Score: Team Giannis prevailed with a 65–58 victory over Team Anthony in a tightly contested affair.
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MVP Honors: Emmy-winning actor Rome Flynn delivered a standout performance with 17 points, earning back-to-back Celebrity Game MVP honors, a rare feat that solidified his star turn.
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The game set a festive tone for the weekend, with C-pop/K-pop group CORTIS delivering a halftime performance, a first for the event and a major crossover moment for global entertainment culture.
The Star-Studded Rosters
Per official releases and roster announcements published ahead of game night:
Team Giannis (Coached by Giannis Antetokounmpo & Co.)
Included both celebrity talent and athletic crossover stars:
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Rome Flynn (Actor & MVP)
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Shams Charania (ESPN NBA insider)
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Tacko Fall (Former NBA player)
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Keegan-Michael Key (Actor/Comedian)
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Jeremy Lin (NBA Champion)
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GloRilla (Rapper)
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Jenna Bandy (Social creator)
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Dylan Wang (Actor)
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Amon-Ra St. Brown (NFL star)
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Cafu (Soccer legend)
…among others.
Team Anthony (Coached by Anthony Anderson & Team)
Featured a balance of entertainers and athletes:
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Keenan Allen (NFL star)
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Simu Liu (Actor)
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Badshah (Indian rapper — marking a global first)
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Mustard (Music producer)
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Andre De Grasse (Olympic sprinter)
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Mat Ishbia (NBA owner on court)
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Jason “White Chocolate” Williams (NBA legend)
…among others.
Many of these participants brought their own fan bases and entertainment flair, blurring the line between sports performance and celebrity culture.
Off-Court Highlights & Moments
Kevin Durant Call-Out
A surprising moment came when Kevin Durant publicly chided ESPN reporter Shams Charania — who was also playing — for being distracted by his phone during game action, sparking social media buzz.
Cultural Crossovers
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Rapper Badshah’s participation marked the first Indian hip-hop artist in the NBA Celebrity Game, expanding the event’s global reach.
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The halftime performance by K-pop group CORTIS was widely praised as a cultural milestone amplifying NBA’s global entertainment strategy.
Broadcast & Fan Access
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The game tipped off on Friday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. ET at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California and aired live on ESPN, with streaming options available domestically and internationally.
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Commentary teams featured veteran broadcasters alongside former NBA talent, blending serious sports presentation with celebrity inflection.
Bigger Picture — All-Star Weekend
The Celebrity Game served as the official launch of NBA All-Star Weekend 2026, leading into marquee events such as:
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Rising Stars Challenge featuring rookie/sophomore NBA talent.
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All-Star Game (Feb. 15) with a new USA vs. World format, part of NBA’s global evolution.
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Music performances, lifestyle events and ancillary fan experiences throughout Los Angeles.
Final Scorecard: Impact & Reception
The 2026 NBA Celebrity Game succeeded not only as an exhibition but as:
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A global entertainment event bridging cultures and industries.
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A competitive and engaging spectacle with real on-court action.
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A cultural touchpoint showcasing the NBA’s evolving brand outside traditional sports.
Audience reactions ranged from admiration for performances to viral moments that dominated social feeds — cementing the Celebrity Game as one of the most talked-about events of All-Star Weekend.
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