Jalen Brunson Joins Michael Jordan and LeBron James’ Elite Club as SNL Host

Jalen Brunson is at the top of the NBA world at the moment. He led the New York Knicks to their first championship in 53 years last season. His performances saw him win the Eastern Conference Finals and Finals MVP awards.

Ahead of his title defense next season with the Knicks next season, Brunson is looking to expand his talents beyond the basketball court. He will be taking on a new role off the court as he prepares to host “Saturday Night Live” when the new season begins later this month.

It is the first time Brunson will be seen hosting the show. He will be joined by the pop girl group Katseye as the musical guest. The Knicks guard will have to use his experience of comedic attitude and wit from hosting The Roommates Show, a podcast he co-hosts with Josh Hart and Matt Hillman.

Jalen Brunson will be the first Knick to host SNL

He’s also just the fifth basketball player after Jordan, Barkley, LeBron, Bill Russell.

He’s just the third NYC-area athlete after Eli Manning and Derek Jeterhttps://t.co/yDxKcj09AU

— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) September 9, 2026

While Brunson may dismiss the tag “King of New York”, there is no doubt that he is a huge fan-favorite in the city after what he achieved last season. He has been credited with uniting New York like never before.

But what makes his latest hosting gig historic is the fact that he will become the first-ever Knick to host SNL in its 51-year history. He will also become the fifth NBA player ever to host the show, joining an elite list of NBA players such as Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Charles Barkley. It is indeed an exclusive company to be a part of.

Fans react to Jalen Brunson hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ season premiere

The love and respect Brunson has received after leading his team to a title is unparalleled. He’s also the latest championship-winning New York athlete to receive an “SNL” hosting invitation, joining the likes of Derek Jeter and Eli Manning.

After the news of him hosting the season premiere went viral, fans quickly reacted and showed their excitement across social media.

I'm actually going to watch SNL, like live not clips. Who would've thought?

— Angel Margarito (@AngelTheTwin) September 9, 2026

Well Deserved. A NYC superstar, Fresh off the team’s first championship in a half century. I’ll be watching for sure

— TheSportsGuyNHarlem (@SamphillJr) September 10, 2026

Bill Russell, Barkley, Jordan, LeBron, Brunson. That is the entire list. He broke a 53 year title drought in June and now he opens season 52 of SNL in September. Best 12 months any Knick has ever had and nobody is close.

— OC21 (@IAmOC21) September 10, 2026

They're going to have to add 10-15 minutes to the SNL schedule to accommodate the lengthy ovation Brunson will receive.

— Roy Hinkley (@Truth_n_facts1) September 9, 2026

Bro has ascended to the highest level of greatness, couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person 🥹 pic.twitter.com/GrVO4M7iHg

— Big Blue Forever 💙 (@BigBlue4ev3r) September 10, 2026

i haven't watched SNL in like 30 years, but i will that Saturday

— Free Markets FTW🙏🇵🇸🇸🇩🇭🇹 (@zenrealtornyc) September 9, 2026

He runs NYC and will forever. It’s that simple.

— me (@ER29999) September 9, 2026

He’s going to roast @josh😂😂😂

— NYBlueSportsFan (@NYBlueSportsFan) September 9, 2026

Fans were left excited and are eagerly looking forward to the season premiere. Season 52 is scheduled to air on September 26. He regularly demonstrates his humor on his podcast and will have the opportunity to do so in front of a national audience.

Jalen Brunson is the first active NBA player to host SNL since LeBron James

While Jalen Brunson is regarded as the “King of New York”, he still has a long way to go to reach the level of impact and influence of LeBron James. The King, as James is widely regarded, is arguably the greatest player to ever play the game and has been the face of the league for nearly two decades.

Brunson will be the first active NBA star to host SNL since the James in 2007.

NBA champion Jalen Brunson will host the season premiere of Saturday Night Live on September 26 🤩

He'll be the first active NBA player since LeBron James (2007) to host SNL.

What a year it's been for the Knicks star! pic.twitter.com/fKpoqZIDtX

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 9, 2026

Brunson and James will be direct rivals next season after the latter joined the Philadelphia 76ers in the summer. The two will be clashing on Opening Night at Madison Square Garden on October 20.

2026 has been a magical year for Brunson. It will be interesting to see if his Knicks teammates will be in attendance when their leader hosts the show.

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