BET Experience 2026 Levels Up With First-Ever Standalone Celebrity Basketball Game

BET Experience is taking things to the next level in 2026.

As anticipation builds for Culture’s Biggest Week, BET has announced the launch of its first-ever standalone BETX Celebrity Basketball Game, expanding the fan experience beyond its traditional FanFest programming and creating another can’t-miss event ahead of the BET Awards 2026.

Set to take place on Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m. at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, the celebrity showdown will be hosted by Shad “Bow Wow” Moss and Yung Miami, bringing together sports, music, entertainment, and culture under one roof.

The game will feature celebrity coaches Dave East, Fabolous, Jim Jones, and Maino of the Let’s Rap About It podcast, with additional celebrity participants expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Adding to the excitement, the evening will showcase a lineup of live performances throughout the event. Singer Inayah will deliver a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” while Chef Boy is set to energize the crowd with the opening performance. Halftime entertainment will include performances by KenTheMan and YK Niece, before the night closes out with a special post-game performance from T.I., joined by his sons Domani and King.

Fans can also expect a heavy dose of fashion and celebrity culture. Media personality Azzy Milan will serve as the event’s arrivals correspondent, interviewing celebrity players, coaches, performers, and hosts as they make their way through the branded tunnel before tip-off.

For those unable to attend in person, the game will stream live on BET’s official YouTube and Facebook channels, allowing fans around the world to be part of the experience.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all? Admission to the BETX Celebrity Basketball Game is free. Fans can register online for general entry, while premium seating options will also be available for purchase.

As BET Experience continues to evolve, this year’s standalone celebrity basketball game signals the brand’s commitment to delivering immersive experiences that celebrate the intersection of entertainment, sports, and Black culture.

With the BET Awards 2026 right around the corner, BET is making sure the festivities tip off long before the first trophy is handed out.