Knicks star Jalen Brunson set to host SNL Season 52 premiere

Mark Giannotto, USA TODAY

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is set to become the latest athlete to parlay success on the court into a high-profile acting gig.

Brunson will host Saturday Night Live's Season 52 premiere on Sept. 26, 2026, according to NBC, after leading the Knicks to the NBA championship and earning NBA Finals MVP honors this year. It will be Brunson's hosting debut on SNL.

Brunson is the fifth NBA star to be tapped as a host by the long-running late-night sketch comedy show, joining only Bill Russell, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Girl group KATSEYE will serve as the musical guest on Brunson's Saturday Night Live episode.

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Brunson averaged 28.4 points, 6.1 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 19 playoff games last season for the Knicks before leading the franchise to its first NBA title since 1973. Brunson underwent wrist surgery earlier this offseason, but is expected to return to basketball-related activities in time for the start of training camp.

Brunson has previously appeared in a non-wrestling guest performer role with WWE, mostly in conjunction with Indiana Pacers star and fellow pro wrestling fan Tyrese Haliburton.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Knicks star Jalen Brunson set to host SNL Season 52 premiere