In a groundbreaking development for the intersection of K-pop and professional sports, the group CORTIS has been officially announced as the first K-pop act to perform at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.
According to reports from the NBA and ESPN released on February 4, 2026, the group will take the stage for a halftime show at the ‘2026 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.’
This historic event is scheduled to take place on February 13 at the Kia Forum in California, marking a significant milestone in CORTIS’s expanding influence within the North American market.
“Friends of the NBA”: A Growing Partnership
The selection of CORTIS for this prestigious halftime slot is not a random occurrence but rather the result of a deep and ongoing partnership.
The NBA and ESPN have highlighted the group’s role as “Friends of the NBA,” serving as official promotional ambassadors for the league.
This ambassadorship has allowed CORTIS to act as a cultural bridge, bringing K-pop’s high-energy performance style to one of the most-watched sporting events in the United States.
Also Read: The New Standard of K-Pop: CORTIS Makes History with Record-Breaking Debut “GO!”
The Celebrity Game itself is a fan-favorite tradition, featuring a mix of retired NBA legends, Hollywood celebrities, and musicians competing on the court, all of which is broadcast live across the country via ESPN.
Expanding Presence in North American Entertainment
The halftime show at the Kia Forum is just one part of a busy week for CORTIS in Los Angeles. Before they hit the Celebrity Game stage, the group is set to headline the “NBA Crossover Concert Series” on February 12 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
This makes them the first Korean artist headliner in the history of the concert series, further solidifying their status as a major player in the global music scene.
By headlining both a dedicated concert and a major sporting event, CORTIS is effectively positioning themselves at the center of the entertainment world’s most high-profile weekend.
CORTIS Beyond the Stage: Gaming and Global Branding
The group’s success in the sports arena is mirrored by their innovative branding and gaming partnerships. CORTIS recently made headlines as the first K-pop artist to partner with the international energy drink brand Red Bull.
Their influence has also crossed over into the virtual world; their hit song ‘GO!’ was featured on the original soundtrack for Season 4 of the popular basketball simulation game NBA 2K26.
Furthermore, the group has expanded their reach to the younger gaming demographic by having their choreography featured as a dance emote in the global phenomenon Fortnite.
A New Cultural Frontier
As CORTIS prepares for their historic performance at the Kia Forum, they are doing more than just promoting a single; they are redefining what it means for a K-pop group to be a global brand.
Their integration into the NBA ecosystem—through soundtracks, ambassadorships, and now a live halftime show—represents a new frontier for Hallyu (the Korean Wave).
By successfully merging music, sports, and gaming, CORTIS has built a versatile and resilient presence that transcends traditional industry boundaries.
Also Read: CORTIS Sparks Mixed Reactions After Mentioning BTS During Recent Performance
On February 13, when they take the court for the halftime show, it will be a moment of pride not just for the group and their fans, but for the entire K-pop industry as it continues to find new homes on the world’s biggest stages.
