NBA: Finals-New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson holds the Finals MVP trophy during the championship celebration after game five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Jalen Brunson isn’t one for the spotlight. Although, stardom has a funny way of finding athletes, especially after delivering an NBA championship.
The New York Knicks won their first title in 53 years with Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way last season. However, the 2026 NBA Finals MVP is destined for another huge role this week when he hosts “Saturday Night Live.”
It marks a huge honor for the Knicks star, who cut a hilarious ‘SNL’ promo before hosting for the first time. Brunson becomes the first athlete to lead the sketch comedy program since NFL star Travis Kelce appeared in Mar. 2023.
The two-time college basketball national champion with Villanova is slated to make his hosting debut on Saturday, Sept. 26 as ‘SNL’ Season 52 kicks off (11 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock).
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Knicks champion becomes newest ‘SNL’ athlete host
there's only one door @jalenbrunson1 wants this key to unlock pic.twitter.com/Hu1oBLK14p
— Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) September 23, 2026
The Knicks star is promoting his appearance after showing off a different, more humorous side. ‘SNL’ social accounts featured Brunson trying to use his “Key to the City” while trying to unlock the doors at NBC’s Rockefeller Center studio.
The memento was given to him by New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani during his team’s NBA championship parade over the summer.
Brunson’s appearance on NBC comes just weeks before the Knicks return to the court. New York hopes to defend its 2025-2026 title after knocking off Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Knicks open their 2026-2027 campaign against LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 20. Brunson and Co. are expected to raise their championship banner before tipping off the new season.
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Notable athletes that hosted ‘SNL’ since 2000
NBA: New York Knicks-Championship Parade
New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown and guard Jalen Brunson after winning 2025-26 NBA championship. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Mar. 2000
Derek Jeter – Dec. 2001
Tom Brady – Apr. 2005
Lance Armstrong – Oct. 2005
LeBron James – Sept. 2007
Michael Phelps – Sept. 2008
Eli Manning – May 2012
John Cena – Dec. 2016
Travis Kelce – Mar. 2023
Jalen Brunson – Sept. 26, 2026