Brunson to host SNL Season 52 premiere after Knicks' title run

Brunson tapped for SNL Season 52 opener

NBC's "Saturday Night Live" revealed Wednesday that Jalen Brunson, fresh off leading the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years, will host the Season 52 premiere on Sept. 26. Pop girl group Katseye will serve as musical guest for the episode, which airs at 11:30 p.m. Eastern and streams live on Peacock.

A fifth NBA player to host

Brunson becomes the first Knicks player and the fifth NBA player ever to host the show. He joins Bill Russell, who hosted in 1979; Michael Jordan, who hosted the 1991 season opener after winning his first title with the Chicago Bulls; Charles Barkley, who hosted the 1993 season opener and returned in 2010, 2012 and 2018; and LeBron James, who hosted the 2007 season opener.

From the Finals to Rockefeller Center

Brunson helped the Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs in five games to claim the franchise's third NBA championship. He was named Finals MVP after averaging 28.4 points during New York's playoff run. The Athletic's Law Murray had suggested in June that Brunson, a New York favorite, would be a natural fit to host the Season 52 opener.

Other SNL crossovers with New York teams

Brunson joins a short list of athletes connected to New York professional sports teams who have hosted the show, including Yankees manager Billy Martin (1986 season finale), Yankees owner George Steinbrenner (1990), Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2001) and Giants quarterback Eli Manning (2012). Wayne Gretzky hosted in 1989 while playing for the Los Angeles Kings before later joining the Rangers.

Rest of the announced Season 52 lineup

The Oct. 3 episode will feature Dakota Johnson, promoting the film "Verity," as host with Turnstile as musical guest. On Oct. 10, comedian Shane Gillis will host for the third time, with Rosalía returning as musical guest for her second appearance. After a two-week break, the show returns on Halloween night with Inde Navarrette making her hosting debut; Gracie Abrams will be the musical guest for her second appearance.

Next milestone

Brunson's SNL appearance on Sept. 26 is his next public milestone. He has also been confirmed to appear in the upcoming season of NBC's "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," according to star Mariska Hargitay, though no details on his role have been revealed.