From Abhishek Bachchan to Disha Patani, Bollywood stars who have attended NBA matches in the past

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were the latest Bollywood stars who attended a NBA game. Take a look at who else shares an interest in the game.

Celebrity couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were spotted at an NBA game at Madison Square Garden on Friday. They attended the match between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks. They are not the first Bollywood stars to have interacted with the NBA world. In recent years, many actors and Indian celebrities have attended the games, as well as participated in initiatives to promote the sport in India. Let's take a quick look. (Also read: Gorgeous Deepika Padukone joins Dhurandhar Ranveer Singh for date night at NBA match, poses for selfies with desi fans)

The growing presence of Indian celebrities at NBA games shows how basketball is slowly becoming a part of pop culture beyond the United States. What was once seen as a niche sport in India now attracts famous faces from Bollywood, fashion, music, and business. These public appearances not only bring visibility to the league but also help connect Indian audiences with global sports culture in a more personal way.

Madison Square Garden, one of the most iconic arenas in the world, has become a favorite stop for Indian stars visiting New York. For fans back home, seeing their favorite actors cheering from the stands makes the sport feel closer and more relatable. Social media posts, selfies with fans, and media coverage further amplify the excitement.

Abhishek Bachchan and Disha Patani have attended NBA matches in the past.

Abhishek Bachchan

The actor was part of the launch of NBA's online merchandise in India, in partnership with Jabong. He was present in the 2015 All Star Celebrity Game at the Madison Square Garden as a goodwill ambassador to the league.

Abhishek Bachchan’s involvement went beyond simply attending games. His association with NBA India during the early stages of the league’s outreach helped introduce basketball to a younger audience. By taking part in promotional events and celebrity games, he played a visible role in positioning the NBA as more than just a foreign league, but as a brand with relevance in India.

Neha Dhupia

The actor attended a number of games in 2016. She also met Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis and Walt Frazier. Meanwhile, she was also at the launch of the NBA's regional website for India in April of 2016.

Neha Dhupia’s appearances highlighted how Bollywood personalities were becoming part of official NBA events. Her presence at both live matches and digital launches reflected the league’s push to connect with Indian viewers through familiar faces. These moments helped generate mainstream media coverage, bringing basketball into entertainment news alongside films and celebrity culture.

Disha Patani

The Malang actor attended a pivotal match in 2019, which return of LeBron James from his injury. It was the Lakers Vs Clippers match that she attended.

Disha Patani’s attendance at such a high profile game added to the buzz surrounding one of the most anticipated matchups of that season. Her appearance was widely shared on social media, where fans discussed both the game and her courtside look. Moments like these show how sports and celebrity lifestyles often blend in the public eye.

Ranbir Kapoor

The actor has attended several NBA matches over the years. Notedly, when he was shooting for Anjaana Anjaani in 2010, he met the late Kobe Bryant. His father, Rishi Kapoor, had shared the pictures on Twitter.

Ranbir Kapoor’s meeting with Kobe Bryant remains one of the most memorable connections between Bollywood and the NBA. For many fans, it symbolized a crossover between two worlds of global stardom. The shared photos not only became a talking point at the time but also continue to be referenced whenever discussions arise about Indian celebrities and international sports icons.

Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbal and Badshah

The three of them were spotted at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025. Sonakshi even showed her support for the New York Knicks by donning a blue Knicks t shirt.

The presence of Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbal, and Badshah at the Abu Dhabi Games reflected how NBA events outside the United States are attracting a diverse international audience. As the league expands its global footprint, such appearances reinforce its appeal among Indian celebrities who often travel for both work and leisure.

Together, these moments highlight a broader trend. Bollywood stars are no longer just observers of international sports. They are active participants in a shared cultural space that includes fashion, travel, music, and now basketball. Whether attending high profile games, collaborating on promotions, or simply supporting teams from the stands, their involvement helps shape how Indian fans engage with the sport.

As the NBA continues to invest in its presence across India and the Middle East, the relationship between Indian celebrities and the league is likely to grow even stronger. With every appearance, tweet, and photograph, basketball finds new audiences, and the line between entertainment and sport becomes even more connected.

Tags:

Bollywood

NBA

Ranveer Singh

Deepika Padukone

Abhishek Bachchan

Neha Dhupia

Disha Patani

Ranbir Kapoor

Sonakshi Sinha

Badshah

NBA India

Celebrity Sports

Basketball

Madison Square Garden

NBA Abu Dhabi