Lakers Icon Magic Johnson Named 2026 Rose Parade Grand Marshal, 'Deeply Honored'

The Rose Bowl Parade is turning to the basketball world for this year's grand marshal.

Magic Johnson revealed Wednesday he was named the 2026 Grand Marshal of the 137th Rose Parade. He reminisced on watching the parade growing up in Michigan and said the chance "to build on my legacy and represent my family on this stage is not something I take lightly."

Pasadena Now explained the grand marshal is traditionally selected to pair with the theme.

The Johnson selection makes sense with that as a backdrop, as the theme of the next Rose Bowl Parade is "The Magic in Teamwork." Not only does Johnson have one of the most famous nicknames in sports history with "Magic," but he is also still known as one of the best facilitators and on-court leaders in basketball history.

Johnson joins a lengthy list of grand marshals that includes Herbert Hoover, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gerald R. Ford, Richard Nixon, Hank Aaron, Billie Jean King, Walt Disney, George Lucas and Vin Scully.

Even Mickey Mouse and Kermit the Frog were named grand marshals in the past.

Johnson's connection to the Los Angeles area is obvious, as he is arguably the greatest Lakers player in franchise history. His resume includes five championships, three NBA Finals MVPs, three league MVPs, 10 All-NBA selections, 12 All-Star nods, four assist titles and a spot on the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.

The Hall of Famer is still remembered as one of the best and most iconic players in history.

The 2026 Rose Bowl Parade will take place before the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. For the second straight year, it will be a quarterfinal game in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

Ohio State defeated Oregon in last season's Rose Bowl on the way to a national championship.