The BETX Celebrity Basketball Game delivered exactly what fans came to see—celebrities, competition, live music, and unforgettable moments that helped kick off BET Experience weekend in Los Angeles.
After an unexpected delay pushed tip-off to approximately 8:00 PM, fans inside USC’s Galen Center were rewarded with an entertaining showcase that blended basketball and culture into one of the weekend’s signature events.
When the final buzzer sounded, the Play Makers walked away with a 47-44 victory, edging out their opponents in a competitive finish that kept the crowd engaged until the final possession.
Rome Flynn Takes Home MVP
Actor and entertainer Rome Flynn emerged as the night’s biggest star on the court, earning Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors for his performance.
Throughout the game, Flynn showcased athleticism, leadership, and clutch play, proving why he was one of the standout celebrities in this year’s lineup.
Entertainment Beyond Basketball
BET Experience once again proved that the celebrity basketball game is about more than the scoreboard.
Before tip-off, Tommy the Clown and his dance crew electrified the arena, bringing signature energy that had fans on their feet before player introductions even began.
The music continued throughout the evening with performances and live entertainment that kept the atmosphere alive from start to finish.
One of the night’s biggest highlights came during the postgame celebration as T.I., Domani, and King Harris delivered a multi-generational performance that connected hip-hop’s legacy with its next generation.
The performance became one of the defining entertainment moments of the evening.
A Noticeable Change Behind the Microphone
One unexpected storyline unfolded away from the court.
Although BET’s promotional materials listed Bow Wow and Yung Miami as the event’s hosts, fans in attendance instead saw Yung Miami joined by DJ Drama, who handled hosting duties throughout the game.
As of the conclusion of the event, neither BET nor Bow Wow had publicly explained his absence.
A Celebration of Culture
From former NBA players to chart-topping artists, actors, comedians, influencers, and entertainers, the celebrity basketball game once again demonstrated why it remains one of the most anticipated events of BET Experience.
The blend of sports, music, fashion, and community transformed the evening into more than an exhibition game—it became a celebration of Black culture and entertainment.
Final Score
🏀 Play Makers – 47
🏀 Opponents – 44
🏆 MVP: Rome Flynn
Black TheRapii Final Take
While fans came expecting celebrity basketball, they left having experienced a full entertainment showcase.
Tommy the Clown energized the crowd, Rome Flynn earned MVP honors, and T.I., Domani, and King Harris closed the night with a memorable performance that celebrated hip-hop across generations.
With BET Experience now fully underway, this celebrity basketball game successfully set the tone for an action-packed weekend leading into the BET Awards.
