The 2026 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday, February 13, 2026 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.

Quick Scoop: When does the NBA Celebrity Game start?

If you’re just here for the timing, here it is up top:

  • Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
  • Start time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) (4:00 p.m. PT)
  • Venue: Kia Forum, Inglewood, California
  • TV/Streaming: ESPN and ESPN app (plus other live TV streamers that carry ESPN)

All-Star Weekend context

The Celebrity Game is basically the opening show of NBA All-Star Weekend, kicking off Friday night before events like Rising Stars and the HBCU Classic later in the evening.

Typical Friday schedule for 2026 looks like:

  • Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game – 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
  • NBA Rising Stars – 9 p.m. ET
  • NBA HBCU Classic – 11 p.m. ET

So if you’re planning your evening, the Celebrity Game is the early headliner that sets the tone for the night.

Who’s playing and why people care

This year’s game mixes musicians, actors, creators, and former pros, which is why it tends to trend on social media even if the basketball is a little chaotic.

Some highlights mentioned for 2026 include:

  • GloRilla and Keegan-Michael Key as standout names on the rosters.
  • International flavor with Indian rapper Badshah joining the event.
  • Former pros like Jeremy Lin and Tacko Fall adding real basketball credibility.

It’s less about perfect execution and more about fast pace, dunks, and meme- worthy moments.

Mini FAQ

Q: What time is that in Central / Pacific?

  • Central Time (CT): 6:00 p.m.
  • Mountain Time (MT): 5:00 p.m.
  • Pacific Time (PT): 4:00 p.m.
    (Official listings give 7 p.m. ET; local conversions follow from that.)

Q: Is it always on Friday?
In recent years the NBA has consistently slotted the Celebrity Game on All- Star Friday night as the first big televised event of the weekend.

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