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Boardroom is a sports, media and entertainment brand co-founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman and focused on the intersection of sports and entertainment. Boardroom’s flagship media arm features premium video/audio, editorial, daily and weekly newsletters, showcasing how athletes, executives, musicians and creators are moving the business world forward. Boardroom’s ecosystem encompasses B2B events and experiences (such as its renowned NBA and WNBA All-Star events) as well as ticketed conferences such as Game Plan in partnership with CNBC. Our advisory arm serves to consult and connect athletes, brands and executives with our broader network and initiatives.

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Media February 16, 2022
Randall Williams
Randall Williams

NBA Reveals Performers for 2022 All-Star Weekend

DJ Khaled and Lil Wayne are among the stars performing at 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Cleveland native Machine Gun Kelly joins a superstar cast that includes Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, Tiffany Haddish, DJ Khaled, and Lil Wayne.

The NBA has announced its cast of celebrities slated to play key roles in the league’s 71st NBA All-Star Game festivities Sunday. 

A starting lineup of superstar narrators will take fans through the journey that led us to the Association’s 75th anniversary season:

  • Eight-time Grammy Award winner Usher
  • Five-time Academy Award and two-time Emmy Award winner Spike Lee
  • Grammy and Emmy Award winner Tiffany Haddish
  • Emmy Award nominee Anthony Anderson

The entertainers will recognize the players by highlighting those who have shined the brightest through the themes of competition, culture and inclusion. 

Before the game begins, Cleveland native Machine Gun Kelly and hip-hop legend DJ D-Nice will introduce both All-Star teams. Canton, Ohio native and four-time Grammy award winner Macy Gray will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” while pop singer Ryland James will sing the Canadian national anthem, “O Canada.”

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Saturday’s State Farm NBA All-Star Saturday Night events, which include the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest, will showcase an additional slate of stars. Among those performing ahead of the Dunk Contest nightcap are:

The Dunk Contest itself will feature Houston Rockets rookie guard Jalen Green, Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, Knicks forward Obi Toppin, and Magic guard Cole Anthony competing for top honors.

And for Saturday’s first-ever NBA HBCU Classic, award-winning actress and television personality Keke Palmer will sing the national anthem and the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The Howard University Bison marching band will accompany her.

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Randall Williams

Randall Williams is a former Staff Writer at Boardroom specializing in sports business and music. He previously worked for Sportico, Andscape and Bloomberg. His byline has also been syndicated in the Boston Globe and Time Magazine. Williams' notable profile features include NFL Executive VP Troy Vincent, Dreamville co-founder Ibrahim Hamad, BMX biker Nigel Sylvester, and both Shedeur and Shilo Sanders. Randall, a graduate of "The Real HU" -- Hampton University — is most proud of scooping Howard University joining Jordan Brand nearly three months before the official announcement.

NBAHBCUNBA All-Star Game
About The Author
Randall Williams
Randall Williams
Randall Williams
Randall Williams is a former Staff Writer at Boardroom specializing in sports business and music. He previously worked for Sportico, Andscape and Bloomberg. His byline has also been syndicated in the Boston Globe and Time Magazine. Williams' notable profile features include NFL Executive VP Troy Vincent, Dreamville co-founder Ibrahim Hamad, BMX biker Nigel Sylvester, and both Shedeur and Shilo Sanders. Randall, a graduate of "The Real HU" -- Hampton University — is most proud of scooping Howard University joining Jordan Brand nearly three months before the official announcement.