NBA legend Magic Johnson was named grand marshal of the 2026 Event of Roses and is ready to take part within the 137th Rose Parade on New 12 months’s Day in addition to in pregame ceremonies of the 112th Rose Bowl Recreation at Pasadena, Calif.
Johnson, 66, was named to the Basketball Corridor of Fame in 2002 after 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers when he averaged 19.5 factors with 11.2 assists over 906 video games and was a part of 5 NBA title groups.
A 3-time NBA MVP, Johnson additionally received a nationwide title with Michigan State in 1979 and led america to an Olympics gold medal in 1992 at Barcelona.
Johnson’s post-playing days have included time as an entrepreneur, broadcaster and motivational speaker. He’s within the possession group of various skilled sports activities franchise, together with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles FC of MLS and the Washington Spirit of the NWSL.
As grand marshal, Johnson won’t solely lead the 5 1/2-mile Rose Parade, he’ll participate within the pregame coin toss earlier than the Rose Bowl.
It’s the second consecutive 12 months, the Event of Roses grand marshal was from the sports activities world after tennis legend Billie Jean King was honored earlier this 12 months.
Previous Event of Roses grand marshals with a sports activities background embrace Arnold Palmer (1965), Hank Aaron (1975), Merlin Olsen (1983), Pele (1987), Chi-Chi Rodriguez (1995), Vin Scully (2014) and Greg Louganis, Janet Evans and Allyson Felix, all in 2017.
–Area Stage Media