Meghan Markle and Prince Harry captivated onlookers with their affectionate display at the NBA All-Star Game, securing prime courtside seats during the Valentine’s Day weekend event in Los Angeles.
Courtside Romance at Intuit Dome
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the 75th NBA All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Meghan, 44, linked arms with her husband, 41, as they settled into seats near the paint. She later gently touched his arm to draw his attention, prompting a smile for the NBA cameras.
Seated beside rapper Queen Latifah, 55, and her partner Eboni Nichols, Meghan engaged in conversation throughout the game. She filmed the action on her iPhone, cheering enthusiastically as stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic scored.
Potential UK Return for Invictus Games
Meghan plans to accompany Harry to the Invictus Games one-year countdown event in Birmingham, UK, on July 10. She has supported similar ceremonies in Canada and Germany and aims to attend this one, contingent on resolved security measures.
Discussions continue over security provisions funded by British taxpayers. Prince Harry welcomes the Home Office’s review of his UK protection following a prolonged legal dispute. A source close to the matter stated, “Security is always going to be the deciding factor.” This visit would mark Meghan’s first return to Britain since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022.
The Invictus Games, founded by Harry to aid wounded service personnel and veterans, anticipates ceremonial appearances by the couple.
Star-Studded Courtside Crowd
Barack and Michelle Obama joined the celebrity lineup. In a highlight moment, the former president snatched a loose basketball mid-air as Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker raced toward the sideline. Obama caught the ball cleanly, returned it to the court, and shared a handshake and hug with Booker.
Other notables included director Spike Lee in his signature orange beret and sunglasses, Grey’s Anatomy actress Ellen Pompeo in casual attire, and singer Kelly Rowland in a chic leather suit. Celebrity chef Guy Fieri sat between comedian Keegan-Michael Key and rapper 2 Chainz, while Ludacris attended with his wife, Eudoxie Mbouguiengue.
Exciting New All-Star Format
The game featured a fresh round-robin format with Team World, U.S. Team Stars, and U.S. Team Stripes competing in mini-games. Play reached heightened competitiveness, with dramatic finishes boosting entertainment.
Kawhi Leonard sealed a 48-45 victory for the Stripes over Team World with a tie-breaking three-pointer at 3.5 seconds remaining, finishing with 31 points on 11-of-13 shooting. Victor Wembanyama led World with 19 points but missed a buzzer-beater. LeBron James dunked to give Stripes the lead late, before Leonard’s clutch shot.
The All-Star weekend heads to Phoenix in February 2027 for its fourth hosting.
