Badshah to Represent India at the 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in Los Angeles

Indian rapper and performer Badshah will represent India at the 2026 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, becoming the first Indian rapper to participate in the event. The game will take place at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, on 13 February 2026 at 7:00 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN.

The appearance marks Badshah’s debut at the global NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, a fan-focused event that brings together personalities from music, film, television, sports, and popular culture. Badshah will join a diverse line-up of celebrities from industries including music, Hollywood, Disney, Marvel, the MLB, and the NFL, taking part both on and off the court during NBA All-Star Weekend.

Badshah’s participation follows a notable year in 2025, during which he co-created a Maybach Eyewear range, announced a headline show at The O2, hosted an Indian hip-hop tour across North America, attended Paris Men’s Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week, collaborated with Davido and Ali El Arabi, and launched his own pizza and vodka brands.

“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!” said Badshah.

The 2026 Celebrity Game line-up includes Keegan-Michael Key, Mustard, GloRilla, Jeremy Lin, Taylor Frankie Paul, Nicolas Vansteenberghe, Shams Charania, Keenan Allen, Jenna Bandy, Adrien Nuñez, Tacko Fall, Mat Ishbia and Rick Schnall. Returning players include Rome Flynn, Simu Liu and Andre De Grasse, while Dylan Wang and Jason “White Chocolate” Williams will appear for the third time.

Coaching duties for the game will be handled by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mookie Betts, Lethal Shooter, Anthony Anderson and Chris Brickley. The event will also feature a halftime performance by K-pop group CORTIS, who are part of the NBA’s “Friends of the NBA” programme across Asia.

Additional festivities include the return of the Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Green Carpet presented by Wingstop, with coverage across NBA and ESPN social media platforms. Monica McNutt will host the broadcast and present the MVP trophy, while Mark Jones will provide play-by-play commentary alongside analyst Richard Jefferson. Fan-favourite in-game features such as Ruffles® 4-Point Ridgeline and Ruffles® Crunch Time will also return.