CORTIS Joins 'Friends of the NBA': K-pop Sensation Set to Headline All-Star Week in Los Angeles

The global intersection of sports and music reached a new milestone on January 18, 2026, as the South Korean boy band CORTIS officially joined the 'Friends of the NBA' program. Formed under the prestigious BIGHIT MUSIC (HYBE) label, the group is now part of a strategic initiative designed to bridge the National Basketball Association with influential artists and creators across the Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration aims to foster unique fan activations, exclusive content, and specialized branded merchandise.

Wayne Chan, representing NBA Asia, highlighted that the partnership is rooted in a shared cultural DNA. He noted that the synergy between the K-pop industry and the NBA is built upon a foundation of intense passion, boundless creativity, and a massive global fandom. This alignment allows both entities to transform standard sporting events into significant cultural moments that resonate with audiences worldwide.

As part of this high-profile alliance, CORTIS has been announced as the headlining act for the Opening Night of the NBA Crossover concert series. Scheduled for February 12, 2026, the performance will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This event serves as a major highlight of the broader All-Star Weekend festivities, showcasing the group's performance power to an international crowd of basketball enthusiasts and music lovers.

It is important to distinguish that while CORTIS will lead the Opening Night festivities, their involvement is part of the comprehensive NBA Crossover festival running from February 12 to February 15, 2026. Rather than performing during the main All-Star Game itself, the group will anchor the musical programming that defines the fan experience in Los Angeles during this mid-February window.

The rapid ascent of CORTIS has been nothing short of remarkable, marking one of the fastest global breakthroughs for a rookie group. Their debut EP, titled 'COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES,' achieved an impressive debut at number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart. Industry experts and media outlets have pointed to this achievement as a rare and significant feat for a newly debuted act in the competitive international music market.

This partnership represents a shift in how modern entertainment is consumed, where the sports arena effectively becomes a global concert hall. By integrating music as a universal language for fan communities, the NBA and K-pop are creating a new cultural paradigm. The energy typically found in the stands is being translated into a rhythmic experience that transcends borders, echoing across multiple continents simultaneously.