Jalen Brunson to Host 'Saturday Night Live' Season 52 Premiere After Knicks' NBA Title

After leading the New York Knicks to the 2026 NBA championship, star point guard Jalen Brunson continues to reach new heights in his popularity.

On Wednesday, Brunson was announced as the host of the season 52 premiere of Saturday Night Live on Sept. 26:

When Brunson takes the stage for the SNL season 52 premiere, he will be the first basketball player to host the show since LeBron James in 2007.

Brunson is known for having a dry personality in front of the cameras, so fans will surely enjoy seeing him open up a different side of himself during the long-running sketch comedy show. Since SNL is produced and shot in New York City, it's safe to assume that other members of the Knicks roster will be in attendance to watch their floor general host the show.

While Brunson typically prefers to present a stoic demeanor, his comedic chops can be seen on his Roommates Show podcast alongside Knicks wing Josh Hart. The Athletic's James L. Edwards III detailed an instance in which Brunson fired barbs at Hart for laughing after he said Steve Nash was his favorite point guard.

"Why was he your favorite?" Hart asked. "You didn't emulate him at all. … OK, so when did you stop passing?"

Brunson retorted: "When you were on my team."

"So you're saying you got to be a selfish player once you got to Villanova? That's why we didn't like you," Hart replied.

"That's why we won," Brunson responded in an argument-ending statement.

Fans will certainly be interested to see whether Hart or any other Knicks teammates join Brunson on stage when he hosts SNL as part of the continued celebration of New York's first NBA championship in 53 years.