Tori Kelly performed the U.S. national anthem on Wednesday night before Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals [1].
The performance marks a high-profile start to the championship series, blending professional athletics with a globally recognized musical act to set the tone for the league's premier event.
Kelly, a three-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist [1], took the stage hours before the scheduled tip-off. She performed alongside the Joint Color Guard Team of the Boerne Police and Fire Departments [1]. The appearance was part of the NBA's traditional national anthem ceremony, which precedes the start of the Finals [2].
The game featured a matchup between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs [3]. The NBA had previously announced the performance as part of its pre-game programming for the series opener [2].
As the league transitions into the Finals, these ceremonies serve as a focal point for national viewership. The inclusion of Kelly, an artist known for vocal precision, aligns with the league's history of selecting high-caliber vocalists for the opening game of the championship round.
The event took place in San Antonio, where the Joint Color Guard Team provided a ceremonial backdrop for the anthem. The collaboration between the musician and local first responders is a recurring element of the league's community-focused presentation during the postseason.
“Tori Kelly performed the U.S. national anthem on Wednesday night before Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals”
The selection of a multi-GRAMMY winner for the opening game of the NBA Finals underscores the league's strategy to maximize entertainment value and viewership during the championship window. By pairing a global pop star with local first responders from the Boerne Police and Fire Departments, the NBA balances international celebrity appeal with community-level patriotism to maintain a broad demographic reach.
