LOS ANGELES — February 12, 2026 — K-pop is about to crash the NBA All-Star Weekend in a big way. CORTIS, the rising South Korean boy band, will make history as the first K-pop act to perform at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game halftime show at Kia Forum, bringing their signature energy to one of basketball’s most-watched events.
CORTIS to Headline NBA All-Star Events, Marking K-Pop’s Growing Influence
The five-member group will also perform at NBA Crossover in downtown Los Angeles, signaling a major moment for the band and the genre.
- CORTIS is set to perform at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game halftime show on February 15, 2026.
- The group will also headline the NBA Crossover concert series at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
- CORTIS debuted in August 2025 and quickly gained recognition for its self-produced music and creative freedom.
- The NBA has been actively building relationships with K-pop artists, including BTS member SUGA.
What does it mean when a K-pop group lands a spot at the NBA All-Star Game? It’s a sign that the lines between music and sports are blurring, and K-pop’s global reach is undeniable.
From Los Angeles Studios to the NBA Stage
CORTIS, formed by BIGHIT Music – the label behind global sensations BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER – consists of Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho. The group debuted in August 2025, immediately standing out for its commitment to self-production and a willingness to experiment beyond traditional K-pop boundaries. Each member actively contributes to songwriting, production, and even directs their own music videos, leveraging their individual strengths in vocals, rap, and performance.
Their debut album, “Color Outside the Lines,” released on September 8, 2025, featured tracks like “GO!”, “FaSHioN,” and the title track “What You Want.” Prior to their debut, the group spent three months in Los Angeles collaborating with American producers and songwriters, filming concept photos and music videos throughout the city. Iconic Los Angeles locations, including Pico Station, the Wiltern Theatre, and areas near Koreatown, served as backdrops for their visuals. The music video for “GO!” showcases the Los Angeles scenery, while “What You Want” features landmarks like 7th Street/Metro Center Station and Tam O’Shanter restaurant.
Rapid Rise and Expanding Footprint
“Color Outside the Lines” debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, making CORTIS the only rookie group of 2025 to achieve that milestone. Within its first month, the album surpassed 100 million streams, and their combined fanbase swelled to over 19 million followers across TikTok and Instagram.
This partnership between CORTIS and the NBA builds on a growing trend of collaboration between K-pop and basketball. The NBA has fostered relationships with prominent K-pop artists, including BTS member SUGA, who has served as an NBA ambassador since 2023, and groups like LE SSERAFIM and ENHYPEN through its “Friends of the NBA” program.
Beyond the Album: Soundtracks and Film
CORTIS’s music is also appearing in other prominent media. Their song “GO!” is featured on “NBA 2K26 Beats: Official Soundtrack Season 4,” introducing the group to a wider gaming audience. They are also contributing to the soundtrack of the Sony Pictures Animation film “GOAT,” with their track “Mention Me.” The animated sports comedy, co-produced by and starring NBA legend Stephen Curry, tells the story of a small goat pursuing a dream of playing professional “roarball.”
With All-Star weekend representing their biggest U.S. performance to date, CORTIS is poised to capitalize on a moment that reflects both their rapid ascent and K-pop’s increasing influence on global entertainment. Their NBA appearances aren’t just a performance milestone; they’re a glimpse into the evolving intersection of music and sports, introducing the group to a completely new audience.
