Obamas Dap Up NBA Stars as Celebs Pack Courtside for 2026 All-Star Thriller

By Matthias Binder
Barack & Michelle Obama, Several More Celebs Check Out NBA All-Star Game In Courtside Seats (Featured Image)

Obama Family Steals Spotlight Courtside (Image Credits: Cdn01.justjared.com)

Inglewood, California — A constellation of celebrities turned the Intuit Dome into a Hollywood hotspot during Sunday’s 2026 NBA All-Star Game.[1]

Obama Family Steals Spotlight Courtside

Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama arrived with their daughter Sasha, drawing cheers from the packed arena as they settled into prime seats.[2][1]

The family cheered intently throughout the action. Michelle Obama later shared a photo on Instagram, captioning it, “My favorite teammates on and off the court.”[2]

Barack Obama grabbed attention when he snagged a loose ball near the sideline. He quickly passed it back to Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, who returned the gesture with a dap-up and a handshake for Michelle.[1]

The crowd erupted in a standing ovation for the former president, highlighting his enduring popularity at basketball events.

Hollywood and Music Icons Flood the Arena

The courtside seats brimmed with A-listers from entertainment, sports, and business. NBA legends like Magic Johnson and Allen Iverson mingled with actors such as Vin Diesel and Sterling K. Brown.[1]

Music heavyweights including GloRilla, Jennifer Hudson, and Charlie Puth added flair to the scene. Comedians Keegan-Michael Key and Anthony Anderson kept the energy high among the group.

  • Guy Fieri and Fat Joe represented food and rap culture.
  • Queen Latifah sat near Eboni Nichols, while Spike Lee observed from his familiar perch.
  • Kelly Rowland arrived with husband Tim Weatherspoon; Ellen Pompeo joined Chris Ivery.
  • Ludacris and wife Eudoxie Mbouguiengue shared seats with Damson Idris and Teyana Taylor.
  • 2 Chainz, Shaboozey, and Busta Rhymes brought hip-hop vibes.

Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry also appeared, connecting basketball royalty with the celebrity crowd.[3]

Royals Join the Celebrity Surge

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance, opting for courtside views amid the excitement. The couple drew cameras as they enjoyed the game in casual attire.[1]

Meghan smiled broadly while holding Harry’s arm, seated near Queen Latifah. Their presence added an international touch to the already diverse gathering.[4]

Business figures like Mark Cuban and Michael Rubin rounded out the elite audience. Athletes such as Dwight Howard, Kyrie Irving, and Lisa Leslie bridged the worlds of past and present NBA greatness.

New Tournament Format Ignites On-Court Action

The 75th NBA All-Star Game introduced a fresh round-robin format with USA Stars, USA Stripes, and World teams competing in mini-games. Team USA Stars claimed the championship with a decisive 47-21 victory over USA Stripes.[1][5]

Anthony Edwards earned MVP honors after scoring 32 points across the tournament. Barack Obama praised the effort in an NBC interview: “There’s a lot of concern about the All-Star Game and not seeing effort… Today we are seeing [that effort]. Anytime you get Americans vs. International (teams), they want to bring it.”[2]

Sarah McLachlan performed the Canadian National Anthem, setting a melodic tone before tip-off. The Intuit Dome, home of the Clippers, hosted its first All-Star event to rave reviews.

Key Takeaways

  • USA Stars dominated with a 47-21 final win, thanks to Anthony Edwards’ MVP performance.
  • Barack Obama connected with Devin Booker in a memorable courtside exchange.
  • Dozens of celebs, from Obamas to royals, elevated the event’s glamour.

The blend of fierce competition and star-studded support made the 2026 All-Star Game unforgettable. What celebrity moment stood out most to you? Share in the comments.

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