SAN FRANCISCO — Comedian and actor Kevin Hart is set to take center stage at the upcoming NBA All-Star Game as its master of ceremonies. The event, which will be held in San Francisco on Sunday, is expected to feature Hart providing live commentary from the court while the game unfolds.
Hart’s relationship with the NBA is well-documented; he previously hosted an alternative broadcast for the inaugural In-Season Tournament championship in 2023. He has collaborated with notable players such as LeBron James and Draymond Green and is recognized as a four-time MVP of the celebrity basketball game held during All-Star weekend. Additionally, Hart is known for his frequent presence at games, often found in prime courtside locations.
The All-Star Game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Eastern on Sunday and will be available for viewing on channels including TNT, TBS, truTV, and MAX.
This year’s All-Star weekend will also showcase a dynamic entertainment lineup that embraces the musical heritage of the Bay Area. Grammy-winning artist Raphael Saadiq, who hails from the region, will kick off the festivities by greeting fans and introducing players at the All-Star Game.
Among the other highlights, DJ Cassidy will lead a local-themed event titled “Pass The Mic Live!” featuring performances from renowned artists like E-40, multiplatinum hip-hop figures Too $hort and Saweetie, as well as the award-winning vocal group En Vogue during the game itself.
Saadiq will collaborate with fellow Oakland native Damian Lillard, who now plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, in a short film detailing the ongoing influence of the Bay Area on their careers and personal lives.
All-Star Saturday will welcome Vallejo, California native H.E.R. alongside NBA champion Andre Iguodala, who now serves as the executive director of the National Basketball Players Association, to greet attendees. That evening will also feature the live debut of LiAngelo Ball, who is set to perform during the televised event.
Rapper LaRussell will introduce the Rising Stars players the evening prior to the main event on Friday. A tribute to the Los Angeles area, following the recent wildfires, will feature Los Angeles firefighter and paramedic Dennis R. Rodriguez leading the U.S. national anthem at the All-Star Game, alongside Canadian performer and Grammy winner Alessia Cara singing the Canadian anthem.
In a special performance Saturday, Grammy winner PJ Morton will sing the U.S. national anthem before the NBA HBCU Classic college game involving Morehouse and Tuskegee. Morton will also join Oakland resident Goapele to deliver “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the song often regarded as the Black national anthem.
