Basketball meets the digital age once again as the NBA Creator Cup returns for its third installment. This year, the stage is set for an unforgettable clash between basketball content creators and viral sensations. The action unfolds on Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET, live from Las Vegas and streaming on YouTube and the NBA App.

> Tickets available here.

Coinciding with the Emirates NBA Cup, the Creator Cup is more than just a game — it’s a showcase of competition and creativity. With over 125 million collective followers between them, these creators bring a global fanbase to the court, ready to deliver jaw-dropping slams and unforgettable moments.

The Draft Is In

For the first time, Creator Cup rosters were drafted by coaches Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews and streetball legend The Professor. Hosted by Jason Zone Fisher, the two basketball icons handpicked rosters packed with talent, charisma, and players who dominate both on the hardwood and across social media.

For The Professor, joining this year’s Creator Cup was an easy decision.

“First off, the talent level,” he said. “I heard the buzz from the last game, but also just how far this community has come. To get to coach side by side with Lethal is an honor.”

Team Lethal

Led by shooting coach extraordinaire Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews, this squad boasts a mix of sharpshooters, dynamic playmakers, and viral sensations:

• Jesser – A 6-foot-2 forward from Los Angeles, an NBA Celebrity Game alum, two-time Creator Cup participant and the co-founder of the Bucketsquad.
• Tristan Jass – A Kenosha, Wisconsin native, also known as the trick shot king. He’s a Celebrity Game star and Creator Cup veteran. Jass became a creator after crossing up his teacher in a viral video. Since then, he’s generated billions of views from his mesmerizing trick shots, vlogs and practicing with G-League and college teams.
• Carson Roney – A 6-foot-2 forward who played college basketball at Shawnee State University in Ohio. Roney has earned more than 5 million followers on TikTok and is a three-time Creator Cup participant.
• Kris London – A former Creator Cup coach stepping off the sideline and onto the floor full time, at 6-foot-10 London played at Oral Roberts and Newman University. Also widely known as LSK, he is one of YouTube’s most recognizable faces in the sports and gaming community.
• J Dub – A 6-foot-9 forward out of Texas, who played college basketball at Lamar University and Victoria College. J Dub is now a popular content creator whose channel is a variety of all things basketball, comedy skits and vlogs, giving fans an inside look at his life.
• Marcelas Howard – The “Backyard legend” will run the point. Howard is from Sacramento, California and attended Holy Names University. He is known as a comedic basketball YouTuber and an assistant coach at American River College. 
• Ryan Swaze – The 6-foot guard from Toronto, Canada is a sports and lifestyle creator with a competitive streak, garnering over 750k subscribers on YouTube.
• Jayda Bovero – A 5-foot-11 forward who played for the New Mexico Lobos Women’s Basketball team, Bovero became a social media strategist and digital creator, collaborating with successful brands like Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Jordan Brand, Nike, and Mitchell & Ness. She is back for her second Creator Cup.

Team Professor

Representing The Professor’s signature streetball finesse, Team Professor is stacked with athleticism, skill, and charisma:

• D’Aydrian Harding – A 5-foot-10 leaper who played for Rod Wave Elite. He is the founder of the Stay Sober brand, and has amassed more than 12 million followers with his comedic content.
• YPK Raye – Raye is from upstate New York and attended SUNY Sullivan, but currently calls Las Vegas home. YPK Raye is known to wildly entertain you with his unique skits, highlights and vlog content.
• Cam Wilder – Wilder is out of Midland University and is known for taking over parks around the world. He is the founder and coach of the Rod Wave Elite AAU team. He brings energy, silliness and skill to his content on all platforms.
• Chris Staples – A professional dunker, standing at 6-foot-4, who inspired Dwight Howard and Aaron Gordon, Staples played four years with the Harlem Globetrotters, starred in the film Slamma Jamma and was a contestant on The Bachelorette.
• Bree Green – The 5-foot-9 guard is a former Harlem Globetrotter who previously played at the University of Texas El Paso and then professionally in Spain, Czech Republic and Mexico. Green loves working with kids, showing off her handles and trick shots.
• ItsPikaaaa – A 5-foot-3 guard from Fiji, making her Creator Cup debut. She’s a gamer and sports fan, and has earned more than 1.4 million followers on TikTok.
• Meka – A 6-foot-2 guard from Buffalo, New York who played at North Country College. He has earned over 1 million followers on social media by blending comedy and basketball skills.
• Trey Phills – The 6-foot-2 guard is a former G-League player and the son of former NBA player Bobby Phills. Trey Phills played at Yale University before becoming a content creator, making videos about basketball and his life’s journey.

What Makes the Creator Cup Special?

More than just a game, the Creator Cup captures the intersection of basketball culture and digital influence. Last year’s event went to overtime, while the Summer League Creator Cup came down to the final possession. 

“The energy is unmatched,” said Lethal Shooter. “These creators aren’t just showing up — they’re bringing their A-game. Fans are in for something special.”