On February 13, 2026, a major cultural and entertainment announcement in the United States centered on the music lineup for the upcoming 2026 NBA All‑Star Weekend, a weekend traditionally known for bringing together sports and live entertainment on a national stage. This year’s celebration, taking place in Los Angeles, California, is poised to feature an eclectic slate of musical performances that underscore how sports events continue to integrate live music into their cultural footprint.
The NBA All‑Star Weekend is an annual spectacle that unites fans of basketball and entertainment with a mix of athletic competition and performances. While the league’s All‑Star Game itself remains the centerpiece of the weekend, producers have increasingly placed emphasis on music and live performances as a way to broaden appeal and elevate the experience for global audiences.
Headline Performances for the Weekend
At the heart of the NBA’s music announcements on February 13 is the confirmation that three‑time Grammy Award‑winning rapper Ludacris will be one of the headline performers during the festivities. Known for chart‑topping hits such as “Yeah!” and “Money Maker,” Ludacris is scheduled to perform at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, ahead of the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday, February 14. This places a major musical act at a traditionally high‑energy competition within the weekend.
In addition to Ludacris, the entertainment slate includes K‑pop group CORTIS, which will deliver a halftime performance during the NBA All‑Star Celebrity Game, a notable inclusion as the celebrity game halftime show has not traditionally featured major musical acts. CORTIS is also expected to appear as part of the NBA Crossover fan experience, highlighting the influence of global pop trends on U.S. music culture and live events.
Emerging artist Shaboozey, known for his hit “A Bar Song,” is also slated for performance as part of the NBA Crossover Concert Series, bringing fresh hip‑hop energy to the weekend’s musical programming.
Anthems and Special Moments
Beyond concert‑style performances, the NBA has curated musical moments that honor tradition and showcase established artists. Legendary figure John Tesh is set to perform his iconic sports theme “Roundball Rock” live in an arena setting, a first for the composition since its original association with NBA broadcasts decades ago. This performance is part of a broader celebration of the NBA’s media heritage, coinciding with the league’s return to broadcast partner NBC after a 24‑year absence.
Legendary R&B artist Brandy will perform the United States national anthem prior to the NBA All‑Star Game itself, while Canadian singer Sarah McLachlan is scheduled to sing the Canadian national anthem, reflecting the international dimension of the league and its music offerings.
Significance for Music and Culture
This announcement highlights a continuing trend of sports and live music convergence, where major athletic events are increasingly curated as multi‑sensory experiences that appeal to fans of both sports and music. For the music community, these integrated lineups offer expanded exposure for artists and broaden the reach of their performances beyond traditional concert venues.
Bringing together established Grammy winners, rising stars, and global acts like K‑pop performers demonstrates how music’s role in national entertainment has evolved to accommodate diverse tastes and cultural influences. It also reflects how large‑scale events like the NBA All‑Star Weekend serve as platforms for artists to connect with new audiences and for fans to enjoy live music alongside competitive sports.
Looking Ahead
The full NBA All‑Star Weekend runs from February 13 to 15, 2026, and will include a range of athletic competitions, including the Slam Dunk Contest, Rising Stars challenge, celebrity games, and the marquee All‑Star Game itself, alongside the musical performances now confirmed. For fans who cannot attend in person, broadcasts and livestreams on networks like NBC and Peacock will make the festivities accessible nationwide.
With music playing an increasingly central role, this year’s All‑Star Weekend promises to offer one of the most memorable blends of sport and live entertainment in recent memory, a milestone that resonates with both basketball enthusiasts and music lovers alike.