The global appeal of the National Basketball Association (NBA) has steadily grown over the past two decades, transcending borders, cultures, and even sports preferences. Once considered a predominantly American league, the NBA today enjoys a massive following across Asia, Europe, Africa, and particularly India. As basketball’s popularity has expanded in the country, so has its association with Indian celebrities—especially from Bollywood. Several prominent actors and musicians have not only attended NBA matches but have also actively participated in initiatives aimed at promoting the sport among Indian audiences.

Most recently, celebrity couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone grabbed attention when they were spotted courtside at an NBA game at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden. They attended the clash between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks, instantly sparking buzz on social media and reinforcing the long-standing connection between Bollywood and the NBA. However, the duo is far from alone. Over the years, many Indian celebrities have shown their enthusiasm for basketball by attending marquee games, interacting with legendary players, and collaborating with the league on promotional efforts.

Here is a closer look at some of the Bollywood stars who have shared a notable connection with the NBA in the past.

Abhishek Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan has been one of the earliest and most prominent Bollywood faces associated with the NBA. Known for his interest in sports and ownership stakes in football and kabaddi teams, Abhishek’s association with basketball has been both visible and meaningful. In 2015, he was part of the launch of the NBA’s online merchandise platform in India, which was rolled out in partnership with Jabong. The initiative was aimed at making official NBA merchandise more accessible to Indian fans, marking a key step in the league’s India-focused expansion strategy.

That same year, Abhishek Bachchan attended the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Madison Square Garden, where he was present as a goodwill ambassador to the league. His involvement was not limited to merely watching the game; it symbolised the NBA’s intention to tap into Bollywood’s star power to popularise basketball in India. His presence at such a high-profile event helped bridge the cultural gap between Indian cinema and American professional sports.

Neha Dhupia

Actor and television host Neha Dhupia has also been a familiar face at NBA games, particularly during 2016, a year when the league made a concerted push to strengthen its footprint in India. Neha attended multiple NBA games during that period and had the opportunity to meet several prominent basketball stars, including Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis, and NBA legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier.

Beyond attending matches, Neha Dhupia was present at the launch of the NBA’s regional website for India in April 2016. The platform was designed to provide Indian fans with localized content, news, and updates, reflecting the league’s growing focus on the Indian market. Neha’s involvement in the launch event underlined her role as one of the Indian celebrities supporting the NBA’s outreach efforts at the time.

Disha Patani

Disha Patani’s association with the NBA drew attention in 2019 when she attended a highly anticipated Los Angeles Lakers versus Los Angeles Clippers game. The match was particularly significant as it marked the return of LeBron James following an injury, making it one of the most talked-about games of the season. Disha’s presence at such a pivotal fixture highlighted her personal interest in the sport and added to the visibility of Bollywood celebrities at NBA events.

Photos and videos of the actor from the game circulated widely on social media, resonating with younger fans who follow both Bollywood and international sports. Her attendance reflected a growing trend among the newer generation of Indian actors who engage with global sports leagues as part of their international exposure.

Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor’s connection with the NBA goes back over a decade. During the filming of his 2010 movie Anjaana Anjaani in the United States, Ranbir attended several NBA matches. One of the most memorable moments from that period was his meeting with the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant. The encounter became widely known after Ranbir’s father, veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, shared photographs of the meeting on social media.

Ranbir’s interaction with Kobe Bryant was particularly special, as Bryant was not just an NBA superstar but a global sporting icon admired across generations. The moment symbolised the crossover appeal of sports and cinema, and it remains one of the earliest high-profile instances of a Bollywood actor engaging directly with an NBA legend.

Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbal, and Badshah

More recently, the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 saw the presence of multiple Indian celebrities, including Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbal, and rapper Badshah. The trio was spotted courtside, adding Bollywood flair to the international sporting event. Sonakshi Sinha, in particular, made her allegiance clear by donning a blue New York Knicks t-shirt, proudly showcasing her support for the team.

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games have become an important platform for the league to attract fans from Asia and the Middle East, and the attendance of Indian celebrities plays a significant role in boosting visibility. Badshah, known for his global collaborations and international appeal, further underscored the NBA’s growing influence beyond traditional sports audiences.

A Growing Cultural Exchange

The presence of Bollywood celebrities at NBA games is more than just a trend; it reflects a broader cultural exchange between Indian entertainment and global sports. For the NBA, Bollywood stars serve as influential ambassadors who can introduce the sport to millions of Indian fans. For the celebrities, attending NBA games and associating with the league offers global exposure and aligns them with a modern, international lifestyle brand.

From Abhishek Bachchan’s formal role as a goodwill ambassador to younger actors like Disha Patani and Sonakshi Sinha attending high-profile games, the relationship between Bollywood and the NBA has evolved steadily. With India being one of the fastest-growing sports markets in the world, this connection is likely to deepen further in the coming years.

As basketball continues to gain popularity across the country, Bollywood’s courtside presence serves as both a reflection and a catalyst of that growth—bringing together the worlds of cinema, sport, and global culture in a way that resonates with audiences across borders.