ESPNMultiple AuthorsSep 9, 2026, 01:23 PM ETOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK — Newly crowned NBA champion Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks will host “Saturday Night Live” when the new season begins later this month.Brunson, who led the Knicks to their first NBA title in 53 years in June, makes his hosting debut when the show’s new season debuts Sept. 26 with pop girl group Katseye the musical guest. Brunson was named NBA Finals MVP after his 45-point performance in Game 5 closed out the series win over the San Antonio Spurs.The show has featured a number of sports tie-ins since it debuted in 1975, with such greats as Bill Russell, Deion Sanders, Derek Jeter, Charles Barkley, Peyton Manning, Travis Kelce and Tom Brady, among others, hosting.The NBC sketch comedy show airs at 11:30 p.m. ET and streams live on Peacock.Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
