Rapper Badshah will soon make history by becoming the first Indian to play in the 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
Joining a star-studded roster of superstars from music, cinema, TV, Disney, Marvel, MLB, NFL, and more, Badshah will make his debut at the fan-favourite worldwide event and is sure to bring his unique enthusiasm on and off the court.
The rapper talked about his historic debut and said, “I’m beyond excited to be part of this incredible event and take Indian hip hop centre 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.”
He added, “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!"
His latest historic moment came after a successful 2025, in which he co-created a Maybach Eyewear line, became the first Asian rapper to announce a headline show at The O2, hosted the biggest and most successful Indian hip-hop tour in North America, attended Paris Men's Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week, worked with Davido and Ali El Arabi, and launched his own pizza and vodka brand.
Badshah joins an exciting lineup that also features multi-platinum producer and DJ Mustard, Emmy-winning actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, and GloRilla, an American rapper; Jeremy Lin, a former NBA All-Star; Taylor Frankie Paul, a star of ABC's The Bachelorette and Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives; and Nicolas Vansteenberghe, a standout on Hulu's Love Island, among others.
Chinese actor and singer Dylan Wang and NBA champion and All-Star Jason White Chocolate Williams will return for their third Celebrity Games, while Emmy-winning actor and current Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP Rome Flynn, Marvel Studios star and actor Simu Liu, and seven-time Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse will return for their second.
The Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Green Carpet, presented by Wingstop, will make a comeback this year. The event will be covered on the NBA and ESPN social media.
The broadcast will be hosted by Monica McNutt, who will also deliver the M.V.P. award. Additionally, McNutt will perform exclusive interviews with athletes, coaches, celebrities, and other event participants. Analyst Richard Jefferson will accompany Mark Jones in providing play-by-play commentary for the match.
Also Read: Badshah flaunts ultra-rare USD 2 million Rolex ‘Barbie’ Daytona, becomes first Indian owner
Additionally, popular in-game features like Ruffles 4-Point Ridgeline and Ruffles Crunch Time will return in the game.
The 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will broadcast exclusively on ESPN on February 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET.
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