Kevin Hart Named First-Ever On-Court Emcee Of The 2025 NBA All-Star Game

The NBA has announced that Kevin Hart will serve as the first-ever emcee of the NBA All-Star Game.

The acclaimed comedian will bring his signature brand of humor and unmatched energy to the new-look All-Star Game format. 

Hart, a proud and four-time NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP, will be providing commentary from courtside for fans both in the arena and in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. Hart will join Inside the NBA’s Ernie Johnson to give commentary during the new mini-tournament.

This year, the NBA All-Star Game will feature four teams and three games. 

Each game will be won by the first team to score 40 points. NBA On TNT’s co-hosts Charles Barkley (Team Chuck), Shaquille O’Neal (Team Shaq), and Kenny Smith (Team Kenny) are serving as team general managers. Candance Parker (Team Candace) will be the Castrol Rising Stars team manager.

Additionally, DJ Cassidy will lead a special Bay Area edition of his “Pass The Mic Live!” featuring E-40, Too $hort, Saweetie, and En Vogue during the 2025 NBA All-Star Game.

Just before the start legendary musician and NBA superfan, Raphael Saadiq will give a special performance to welcome fans to the Bay Area and introduce the 2025 NBA All-Stars. 

Before the NBA All-Star Game will feature a tribute to the Los Angeles area in theaftermath of the devastating wildfires with a performance led by Los Angeles firefighter and paramedic Dennis R. Rodriguez, accompanied by a presentation of the colors by fellow LAFD firefighters. Grammy Award-winning singer Alessia Cara will perform the Canadian national anthem.

On Saturday, Feb. Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and Vallejo, Calif. native H.E.R. will welcome fans to State Farm® All-Star Saturday Night alongside National Basketball Players Association Executive Director and four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors Andre Iguodala.  

During the 2025 Castrol® Rising Stars game, LaRussell will take the stage for a performance.

PJ Morton will perform the U.S. national anthem before Morehouse College and Tuskegee University meet in the fourth annual NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T.  which tips off at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, NBA TV, and TruTV. Morton will also join Oakland native and singer-songwriter Goapele to perform the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Making his live television debut,  LiAngelo “GELO” Ball will perform his hit single “Tweaker” during State Farm All-Star Saturday Night on Saturday, Feb. 15, ahead of the 2025 STARRY^® 3-Point Contest.