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What is the story about?
Rapper Badshah is all set to represent India at the 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. He is the first Indian rapper to take part in the event.
The game will take place at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, at 7 pm ET on February 13. It will be broadcast on ESPN.
Badshah will be joining a star-studded roster of celebrities from music, film, TV, Disney, Marvel, MLB, NFL and others.
"I’m beyond excited to be part of this incredible event and take Indian hip hop center court during NBA All-Star Weekend,"
Badshah said in a statement
He shared that basketball is one of his biggest passions and added it will be truly an honour for him to play on the same court as legends from the NBA, NFL, Hollywood and music.
"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," he added.
Known for his larger-than-life persona, Badshah ’s participation at the event comes after a busy last year. In 2025, the rapper came out with a co-created Maybach Eyewear range and became the first Asian rapper to announce a headline show at The O2.
Besides this, he hosted several events in North America and major fashion events like Paris Men's Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. Further, Badshah collaborated with Davido and Ali El Arabi last year. He even launched his own pizza and vodka brand.
The line-up at the global event includes actor-comedian Keegan-Michael Key, producer and DJ Mustard, American rapper GloRilla, former NBA All-Star Jeremy Lin, Taylor Frankie Paul, Nicolas Vansteenberghe, ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, six-time NFL Pro Bowler and Los Angeles Chargers star Keenan Allen, social media creator Jenna Bandy, singer Adrien Nuñez, former NBA player Tacko Fall, Phoenix Suns chairman Mat Ishbia and Charlotte Hornets co-chairman Rick Schnall.
Among those returning for their second celebrity games are actor Rome Flynn, Simu Liu and seven-time Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse. On the other hand, Chinese actor-singer Dylan Wang and NBA champion Jason 'White Chocolate' Williams are returning for their third stint.
Coaching duties will be handled by two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mookie Betts, NBA shooting coach Lethal Shooter, actor-comedian Anthony Anderson and trainer Chris Brickley.
A major highlight during this year's Celebrity Game will be the halftime performance by K‑pop group CORTIS, who were recently announced a part of the ‘Friends of the NBA’ programme.
The broadcast will be hosted by Monica McNutt, who will also hold interviews with players, coaches, celebrities and other event attendees. The play-by-play commentary will be done by Mark Jones and Richard Jefferson.
Tickets for the game can be purchased from the official website at nbaevents.nba.com/all-star.
The game will take place at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, at 7 pm ET on February 13. It will be broadcast on ESPN.
Badshah will be joining a star-studded roster of celebrities from music, film, TV, Disney, Marvel, MLB, NFL and others.
"I’m beyond excited to be part of this incredible event and take Indian hip hop center court during NBA All-Star Weekend,"
He shared that basketball is one of his biggest passions and added it will be truly an honour for him to play on the same court as legends from the NBA, NFL, Hollywood and music.
"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," he added.
Known for his larger-than-life persona, Badshah ’s participation at the event comes after a busy last year. In 2025, the rapper came out with a co-created Maybach Eyewear range and became the first Asian rapper to announce a headline show at The O2.
Besides this, he hosted several events in North America and major fashion events like Paris Men's Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. Further, Badshah collaborated with Davido and Ali El Arabi last year. He even launched his own pizza and vodka brand.
The line-up at the global event includes actor-comedian Keegan-Michael Key, producer and DJ Mustard, American rapper GloRilla, former NBA All-Star Jeremy Lin, Taylor Frankie Paul, Nicolas Vansteenberghe, ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, six-time NFL Pro Bowler and Los Angeles Chargers star Keenan Allen, social media creator Jenna Bandy, singer Adrien Nuñez, former NBA player Tacko Fall, Phoenix Suns chairman Mat Ishbia and Charlotte Hornets co-chairman Rick Schnall.
Among those returning for their second celebrity games are actor Rome Flynn, Simu Liu and seven-time Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse. On the other hand, Chinese actor-singer Dylan Wang and NBA champion Jason 'White Chocolate' Williams are returning for their third stint.
Coaching duties will be handled by two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mookie Betts, NBA shooting coach Lethal Shooter, actor-comedian Anthony Anderson and trainer Chris Brickley.
A major highlight during this year's Celebrity Game will be the halftime performance by K‑pop group CORTIS, who were recently announced a part of the ‘Friends of the NBA’ programme.
The broadcast will be hosted by Monica McNutt, who will also hold interviews with players, coaches, celebrities and other event attendees. The play-by-play commentary will be done by Mark Jones and Richard Jefferson.
Tickets for the game can be purchased from the official website at nbaevents.nba.com/all-star.
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