In a landmark moment for Indian hip-hop, multi-platinum rapper and entertainment icon Badshah will become the first-ever Indian rapper to play in the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. The game will take place on February 13, 2026, at the Kia Forum, and will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET.
Marking his debut at the globally watched fan-favourite event, Badshah is set to bring his trademark energy on and off the court as part of a star-studded celebrity roster featuring names from music, film, television and professional sports.
Badshah’s participation follows a standout 2025, during which he became the first rapper globally to co-create a Maybach Eyewear range, made history as the first Asian rapper to announce a headline show at The O2, hosted one of the largest Indian hip-hop tours in North America, attended Paris and New York Fashion Weeks, collaborated with Davido and Ali El Arabi, and launched his own pizza and vodka brands.
Speaking on the announcement, Badshah said, “I’m beyond excited to be part of this incredible event and take Indian hip hop center court during NBA All-Star Weekend. Basketball has always been one of my biggest passions, and playing on the same court as legends from the NBA, NFL, Hollywood and music is truly an honour. The NBA represents a powerful mix of sport, culture and self-expression, and as basketball’s fan base continues to grow in India, it’s exciting to represent that energy on a global stage. I can’t wait to bring my energy, my game and some unforgettable moments for fans around the world!”
The 2026 Celebrity Game line-up includes Emmy-winning actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, producer and DJ Mustard, rapper GloRilla, former NBA All-Star Jeremy Lin, NFL Pro Bowler Keenan Allen, ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania, social media creator Jenna Bandy, former NBA player Tacko Fall, Phoenix Suns Chairman Mat Ishbia and Charlotte Hornets Co-Chairman Rick Schnall, among others.
Returning players include reigning Celebrity Game MVP Rome Flynn, Marvel Studios actor Simu Liu, Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse, Chinese actor and singer Dylan Wang, and NBA champion Jason “White Chocolate” Williams.
Coaching duties will be handled by two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts, shooting coach Lethal Shooter, actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, and NBA trainer Chris Brickley.
The game will also feature a special halftime performance by K-pop group CORTIS, recently named part of the NBA’s “Friends of the NBA” program across Asia. Pre-game festivities include the return of the Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Green Carpet presented by Wingstop, with coverage across NBA and ESPN digital platforms.
Monica McNutt will host the broadcast and MVP presentation, with play-by-play commentary by Mark Jones alongside analyst Richard Jefferson. Fan-favourite in-game highlights such as the Ruffles® 4-Point Ridgeline and Ruffles® Crunch Time will also return.
Tickets for the 2026 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game are available via the NBA’s official All-Star events platform.
