John Tesh’s ‘Roundball Rock’ to Headline NBA All-Star Game 2026 | Ludacris & Brandy Also Performing

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The NBA All-Star Game this weekend will feature a blend of musical performances, highlighted by a historic live rendition of John Tesh’s iconic “Roundball Rock.” The song, synonymous with NBA broadcasts for over a decade, will be performed live for the first time ever inside a sports arena on Sunday, February 15th, as Tesh introduces the 75th NBA All-Star Game.

The performance marks the return of “Roundball Rock” to NBC’s NBA coverage after a 24-year absence. The song served as the anthem for NBC’s NBA broadcasts from 1990 through 2002, and its revival coincides with NBC’s new 11-year broadcast agreement with the league. According to the NBA, the performance is intended to “celebrate the NBA All-Star Game’s return to NBC.”

Joining Tesh on the entertainment lineup is three-time Grammy Award winner Ludacris, who will headline performances on Saturday, February 14th, before the AT&T Slam Dunk contest. The NBA stated that Ludacris will deliver a “high-energy, in-arena performance” designed to elevate the atmosphere at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

The national anthems will be performed by fellow Grammy winners Brandy, singing the U.S. National anthem, and Sarah McLachlan, performing the Canadian national anthem, prior to the All-Star Game on Sunday.

The announcement of the musical performers came on Wednesday, February 11th, as the NBA unveiled the full entertainment schedule for the All-Star weekend. The league emphasized the significance of Tesh’s performance, noting that it is a first for the song, which has long been a staple of NBA broadcasts.

The return of NBC to NBA broadcasting is a key element of the weekend’s festivities. After a long hiatus, NBC resumed airing NBA games this season, signaling a renewed partnership between the league and the network. The All-Star Game performance of “Roundball Rock” is seen as a symbolic gesture, acknowledging the song’s history with NBC and its role in shaping the NBA’s television presence.

The All-Star Game will be broadcast on both NBC and Peacock, reaching audiences in more than 200 countries and territories in 50 languages. The weekend’s events, including Ludacris’s performance and the national anthem renditions, will also be available on these platforms.

Beyond the headline acts, the weekend will also feature a performance by Aiden Ross, winner of NBC’s “The Voice” Season 28, ahead of the Castrol Rising Stars event on Friday, February 13th.