Celebrities Light Up NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

Keegan-Michael Key, Simu Liu, and other stars take the court for annual fan-favorite event

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The NBA All-Star Weekend is no longer solely about basketball prowess, as the growing popularity of events like the Celebrity Game demonstrates the increasing intersection of sports, entertainment, and fan engagement. This year's game, featuring a star-studded lineup including actors, musicians, and former NBA players, signals a strategic shift by the league to leverage celebrity appeal and attract wider audiences beyond traditional basketball enthusiasts.

Why it matters

The inclusion of high-profile celebrities brings their own fan bases to the event, expanding the NBA's reach and allowing the league to tap into new demographics. The integration of interactive platforms like PrizePicks, which offers predictions on game outcomes and player stats, further enhances the fan experience and aligns with the broader industry trend towards gamification in sports.

The details

The 2026 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will feature Team Antetokounmpo and Team Anderson, with participants including actors Keegan-Michael Key and Simu Liu, NFL star Amon-Ra St. Brown, musicians Glorilla and Badshah, and former NBA players Jeremy Lin and Tacko Fall. The presence of coaches like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mookie Betts, Anthony Anderson, and Lethal Shooter, as well as team owners like Rick Schnall and Mat Ishbia, adds to the star power and connects the game to the business side of the sport.

  • The NBA All-Star Weekend is scheduled for February 2026.
  • The Celebrity Game will be broadcast on ESPN.

The players

Keegan-Michael Key

American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, known for his work on the sketch comedy series "Key & Peele".

Simu Liu

Canadian actor, known for his lead role in the Marvel superhero film "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings".

Giannis Antetokounmpo

NBA player and head coach of Team Antetokounmpo in the Celebrity Game.

Anthony Anderson

American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, who will be the head coach of Team Anderson in the Celebrity Game.

PrizePicks

A platform where fans can make predictions on player stats and game outcomes for real money, available in 34 states.

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What’s next

The success of the Celebrity Game will be closely watched, as it could serve as a model for other professional sports leagues looking to blend sports and entertainment to attract new audiences and enhance fan engagement.

The takeaway

The NBA's approach to the All-Star Weekend highlights the growing trend of professional sports leagues leveraging celebrity appeal and interactive fan experiences to expand their reach and engage with audiences beyond traditional sports enthusiasts.