Badshah to play in 2026 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in Los Angeles

Indian rapper Badshah will represent the country at the 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, becoming the first Indian hip-hop artist to take part in the event. The game will be held on February 13, 2026, at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, and will be broadcast on ESPN.

The annual celebrity game is held as part of NBA All-Star Weekend and features personalities from sports, entertainment, and digital media. Badshah will make his debut this year alongside celebrities from film, television, music, and professional sports.

His participation follows a busy year in 2025, during which he launched a co-branded eyewear line with Maybach, announced a headline concert at London’s O2 Arena, toured North America, attended major international fashion events, collaborated with African artists Davido and Ali El Arabi, and expanded into food and beverage ventures.

“I’m excited to be part of this event and represent Indian hip-hop during NBA All-Star Weekend,” Badshah said. “Basketball has always been a personal interest, and it’s an honour to share the court with people from different fields. With the sport growing in India, it’s meaningful to be part of this platform.”

Other participants include actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, music producer DJ Mustard, rapper GloRilla, former NBA player Jeremy Lin, ESPN insider Shams Charania, NFL player Keenan Allen, social media creator Jenna Bandy, and former NBA player Tacko Fall, among others.

Returning players include actor Rome Flynn, actor Simu Liu, sprinter Andre De Grasse, Chinese actor Dylan Wang, and former NBA player Jason Williams.

Coaching duties will be handled by Giannis Antetokounmpo, baseball player Mookie Betts, shooting coach Lethal Shooter, actor Anthony Anderson, and trainer Chris Brickley.

The event will also feature a halftime performance by K-pop group CORTIS, which is part of the NBA’s “Friends of the NBA” programme in Asia.

Monica McNutt will host the broadcast and present the MVP trophy. Mark Jones and Richard Jefferson will provide commentary.

The game will include sponsored in-game features and a green carpet event ahead of tip-off. Tickets are available through the NBA’s official website.