Category: Deportes

With nearly half of TikTok’s more than a billion users following basketball, TikTok, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) today announced a new global content partnership spanning both leagues. The multi-year agreement combines creator access to events and highlights with live-game discovery through TikTok GamePlan, and advertiser opportunities with TikTok Pulse Premiere.

@nba

🏆 Knicks mount the largest comeback in NBA Finals History with a 29-POINT COMEBACK making it a fantastic finish to remember! 📖 🔥 🏆 #NBAFinals #NBA #Basketball #Knicks #NewYorkKnicks

♬ original sound – NBA

 

The global basketball community is thriving on TikTok, with global interest for “NBA” and “WNBA” up nearly 30% and 15%, respectively, since the start of 2026. This growth reflects the broader momentum of basketball on TikTok, where one in three users have an interest in the NBA. At the same time, women are increasingly turning to the platform for sports content, with 64% choosing TikTok as their go-to destination.

@NBA and @WNBA content reaches fans globally, with a combined 30 million followers across TikTok. Through this partnership, TikTok becomes a home for NBA and WNBA content, giving fans access to the moments, stories, and personalities that define the leagues.

The partnership will also provide creators access to marquee NBA and WNBA events, enabling them to capture and share content from some of the leagues’ biggest moments, including the upcoming WNBA All-Star Weekend.

@wnba

Steady as ever 😤 In the @Dallas Wings’ win, Paige Bueckers finished with 22 PTS, 6 REB and 11 AST, helping Dallas improve to 16-8, their best start through 24 games since 2016! #WNBASeason30 #pb5 #paigebueckers #dbldbl #record

♬ original sound – WNBA

“This partnership shows how central TikTok has become to the way fans discover and engage with basketball around the world,” said Rollo Goldstaub, TikTok’s Global Head of Sport. “As the NBA and WNBA share game highlights, creators and fans can join the conversation around the biggest moments in real time, and TikTok GamePlan carries that same discovery straight through to tune-in, giving fans a direct path from the feed to the broadcast.”

Driving tune-in through TikTok GamePlan

A key component of the partnership is TikTok GamePlan, a comprehensive product suite that allows sports teams, leagues and broadcasters to drive discovery and deepen fan engagement. Fans are 42% more likely to tune in to live games after watching sports content on the platform, and TikTok GamePlan channels that behavior directly: an anchor link on NBA and WNBA content drives fans to a dedicated in-app hubs where they can discover official accounts, check schedules, and find exactly where to watch.

During the 2026 NBA Finals, the NBA leveraged TikTok GamePlan across two fan experiences: an in-app Anchor + Detail Page that generated 497 million impressions and an NBA Finals Search Hub that delivered 426,000 referrals to watch games through the league’s Tap to Watch feature.

“TikTok has become one of the most powerful cultural platforms in the world, helping a new generation of fans discover the NBA and WNBA,” said Bob Carney, NBA Senior Vice President of Social and Digital Content. “This partnership gives us an even greater opportunity to meet those fans where they are with compelling content that celebrates the game and provides them with a seamless option to tune-in to the live broadcast.”

Basketball fans already turn to TikTok for highlights, takes from around the league, and real-time conversation around the game. This partnership builds on that, giving fans an ongoing destination throughout the year, starting with WNBA All-Star later this month. Search “NBA” or “WNBA” on TikTok to catch highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and official content as the story continues to unfold.

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• 2026 NBA Draft Board

LAS VEGAS — The path becomes a much straighter line starting now. The next batch of NBA players are finishing up NBA Summer League and, after a brief rest, will start training camp. It happens so fast. It’ll be here before anyone knows it.

Such is the case in the transition from college to the NBA. There’s barely enough time to exhale before professional careers are launched.

With that in mind, what’s on the mind of players from the Draft Class of 2026?

Here’s a sampling of poll questions tossed to select incoming rookies and their responses:

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Discounting yourself, who has the best chance to win Kia Rookie of the Year in 2026-27?

Nate Ament, Bucks: I say AJ Dybantsa. He’s a great player, got the skill set, the mentality. A good chance to win it.

Darryn Peterson, Jazz: AJ. No specific reason, just the name that came to mind.

AJ Dybantsa, Wizards: Darryn Peterson. He’s a talented scorer; he’s on the right team.

Caleb Wilson, Bulls: Cam (Boozer) because he’ll be the focal point of his team. He doesn’t have anyone else.

Chris Cenac Jr., Celtics: AJ. I know all the work he puts in.

Kingston Flemings, Hawks: Darryn Peterson the first choice, then Cam Boozer. They’ll have the most opportunities and the situation they’re in. Darryn at the two guard is in a good spot for a team that needs him. As for Cam in Memphis, they just traded Ja (Morant) and Jaren Jackson, so he’ll get a lot of touches and chances.

Labaron Philon Jr., 76ers: Peterson or Dybantsa. I like both. Just the way they play the game. They play the way it’s supposed to be played.

Mikel Brown Jr., Nets: AJ or Darryn. They’re just talented man, so talented.

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What advice do you want from your veteran teammates next season?

Meleek Thomas, Cavaliers: How to stay yourself. I also want to watch film with that vet and I want that vet to let me know how the game is played and how I can get better.

Chris Cenac Jr., Celtics: Just how to navigate the league as a rookie. I know some of the guys like (Jayson Tatum) came into the league at my age of 19. So I want to know what were some of the challenges they had to face, so I’ll get a better idea and make it easier for me.

Caleb Wilson, Bulls: Good places to eat, for one. How to navigate relationships mainly, that’s what the vets can teach me. That’s going to take time. The things like off the court relationships, the changes you go through, just life.

Mikel Brown Jr., Nets: How the league works, the 82-game season, how do you deal with the ups and downs, what takes your mind off the adversity.

Cameron Boozer, Grizzlies: Just help me grow in the league. Obviously coming in as a rookie, I don’t know everything.

Cameron Carr, Lakers: I just want to know how they see the game, to see if I can elevate my game and see how they see it. Also I want to show them I’m smarter than the typical rookie and ready for any challenge.

Labaron Philon Jr., 76ers: How to be organized, professionalism, being on time, how to thrive in that winning culture because I’m going to a winner in Philadelphia.

AJ Dybantsa, Wizards: Anything that can help. I’m going to be a sponge, ask a lot of questions, anything on the court, anything off the court.

Alex Karaban, Kings: What it takes to succeed, what can I do to help the team win and how to help the organization compete at the highest level.

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If LeBron James approaches in your first meeting, introduces himself and says what’s up, how will you respond?

Chris Cenac Jr., Celtics: What’s good, you got any advice for me?

Nate Ament, Bucks: Well, I would speak for the younger generation and tell him how much I’ve watched him and what he means to the sport, and to all these new kids coming in.

Darryn Peterson, Jazz: Nice to see you in person. Great to see you. Wait a minute, is this conversation happening before the game? If so, then I won’t say much. I’ll be ready to play.

Brayden Burries, Bucks: I would say, what’s up, coach? Well, actually, he’s not my coach no more. (Note: Burries once played for LeBron’s AAU team, Strive For Greatness, where he averaged 22 points and nearly 10 rebounds.)

Mikel Brown Jr., Nets: I would just have a normal conversation with him. At the end of the day, he’s a human being. That’s how I’ll treat him.

Meleek Thomas, Cavaliers: I’m probably like, what up? I watched you all my life, I’m a huge fan of your game and I’m excited to compete against you.

Cameron Carr, Lakers: I’m going to give him his respect, tell him how much I appreciate him and how much I look forward to playing against him. I’m not going to ignore him that’s for sure. (Note: LeBron chose not to re-sign with the Lakers for next season and therefore deprived Carr the chance to be teammates.)

Caleb Wilson, Bulls: Just hey. That’s all. I can’t say too much because I got to play against him.

AJ Dybantsa, Wizards: I’ve talked with LeBron plenty of times. He gave me some advice. I worked out with him in L.A. once.

Alex Karaban, Kings: I’ll tell him I appreciate just the way he has played, how he allowed me to fall in love with basketball, the competitor he is, ask about the championships he won. Just his love for the game. I’d like to thank him for that.

Henri Veesaar, Hawks: I’ll play it cool, like, what’s up?

Labaron Philon Jr., 76ers: What’s good?

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What are the kids you went to high school with saying right now?

Meleek Thomas, Cavaliers: They’re super proud of me. They say `stay on your path.’ They saw how I worked hard early and was so passionate about the game. You know, when you make it, they always say `we always knew you were gonna do it.’ But the real ones I grew up with and had bonds with, they say right now, `keep doing what you’re doing, because we’ll never see anything like this again.’

Chris Cenac Jr., Celtics: They’re all just proud of me. I still talk to two or three of them almost every day.

Labaron Philon Jr., 76ers: They’re telling me I look good.

Mikel Brown Jr., Nets: They’re telling me I’m not done yet.

Kingston Flemings, Hawks: The friends I’m close with, they’re honest with me. I think I’m a great person. I keep my circle tight so therefore the people I’m friends with from back then, they’re great people as well.

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In your first game, you have a choice: game-winning shot or game-saving steal or block?

Kington Flemings, Hawks: Game-winning shot. That’s like once in a lifetime. In your first game? Yeah.

Darryn Peterson, Jazz: The shot. That’s just natural. That’s what I want to do throughout my career.

Brayden Burries, Bucks: Game-winning shot. A stop though is pretty cool. I had one in college.

Meleek Thomas, Cavaliers: Game-saving stop. Because I can guarantee that I’ll get in the next game if I get a stop. If I hit the shot, that just meant somebody went to double Donovan (Mitchell) and left me open and gave me a chance.

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What are you looking forward to most about your new city?

Kingston Flemings, Hawks: The thing about Atlanta is there’s so many trees around. I love that. And I just want to be a fan favorite. I want the fans to love me. I’m a great guy to get to know.

Labaron Philon Jr., 76ers: The city is very supportive of the teams. You got the Phillies, Eagles and Sixers. It’s a really a big special place for basketball, football and baseball. Being able to experience that fan support will be great.

Nate Ament, Bucks: It’s kind of similar to where I’m from, so I’m excited to get into the community and feel the fan base. But also excited to put on for the city.

Mikel Brown Jr., Nets: Brooklyn is very historical. I just look forward to going around to see the monuments and getting a feel for the city. It’s amazing.

Caleb Wilson, Bulls: I learned about the city when I went on a tour. I’m very blessed to be in that city. A great city. I really want to connect with the people, with high schoolers, the community. Can’t wait to make a positive impact on the city and hopefully people’s lives.

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Who do you want to jersey-swap with next season?

Meleek Thomas, Cavaliers: Probably the Thompson twins. I love their impact. Kevin Durant for sure, (Nikola) Jokić for sure.

Brayden Burries, Bucks: LeBron, Steph Curry, Devin Booker, the main three right there.

Labaron Philon Jr., 76ers: Tre Johnson. My guy from high school. (Note: Philon and Johnson, in his second season with the Wizards, played at Link Academy in Branson, Mo. That basketball powerhouse has produced, among others, Chris Cenac and Tarris Reed, also in the 2026 draft class.)

Nate Ament, Bucks: Kevin Durant. I’d tell him how much he meant to me as a kid. That’s my guy. I tried all his moves on the blacktop. But also I can’t lay it on too thick. I got to compete against him.

Kingston Flemings, Hawks: Cason Wallace, Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey. I watched Cason and Cade a lot growing up. I kind of modeled my game after them.

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Because of your age, you never saw Michael Jordan and most of Kobe Bryant’s prime, if any. You didn’t see them in the moment. Do you feel as though you missed out?

Meleek Thomas, Cavaliers: Well, what they brought to the game, their spirit and their play, it’s still out there. I watched so much of it on YouTube. So while I missed out on the real time, and I realize real time is different than YouTube, I still pick up a lot from them.

Chris Cenac Jr., Celtics: I’ve watched a little film, but I know it’s a lot different than being in the moment.

Kingston Flemings, Hawks: A lot of time in history, you kind of wonder what it was like. Luckily with video, you can kind of go back and watch, realizing it’s not the same. I’m glad to be in the time that I’m in.

Labaron Philon Jr., 76ers: Definitely missed out. Michael Jordan was the best player ever to touch the ball. And Kobe. Watching those guys’ highlights, it was crazy even though it wasn’t in real time.

Nate Ament, Bucks: You also think back to the guys like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, they’re the reason we’re here today, they also brought the game to where it is today.

Brayden Burries, Bucks: Everything happens for a reason. I think I was born at the right time.

Caleb Wilson, Bulls: For sure. It goes to the era, to Michael Jordan and everyone who came before him, to Magic, Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar). At some point people miss out on those eras. I was fortunate to see LeBron play, at least I can say that. Now it’s up to me, to create my own era. (Note: Wilson is playing in Chicago, where hopes are high for him, and will likely often see the Jordan statue outside United Center.)

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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA since 1985. You can e-mail him at spowell@nba.com, find his archive here and follow him on X.

And just like that, NBA Summer League tips off its final day of pool play today — with 12 teams still in the mix for Saturday’s two semifinals.

Tap here for the latest standings.

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5 STORIES IN TODAY’S EDITION 🏀

Semis Take Shape: Spurs, Suns grab inside track for final Vegas Playoff spots with one day remaining

Next In Line: Celtics, Magic win to keep pace in race to Semis, just outside top-4

Wednesday Roundup: Last night’s standout play from Nate Ament, summer Wolves and more

Desert Unbeatens: Lakers & Hawks eye 4-0 pool play finishes today, plus two more Semis seeds open

2026 Nike Peach Jam: The next wave of stars are showing out in South Carolina

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BUT FIRST … ⏰

Thursday’s seven-game slate wraps up NBA Summer League pool play, with all four tickets to Saturday’s Semifinals still up for grabs.

Giannis Introduced In Miami: Giannis Antetokounmpo will be formally introduced as a member of the Heat today at his introductory press conference (3 ET, NBA App/NBA.com).

WNBA All-Star Draft: The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game rosters are set after Hall of Famers Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon drafted their teams Wednesday. The WNBA All-Star Game tips off Sunday, July 25 in Chicago (8:30 ET, ABC).

HOF Presenters: The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has announced the list of Hall of Famers who will present the Class of 2026 at the Enshrinement Ceremony on Saturday, August 15.

ESPY Awards: The hoops world was well-represented at Wednesday night’s ceremony, with Jalen Brunson sweeping three awards, the Knicks winning Best Team and A’ja Wilson taking home Best Athlete – Women’s Sports and Best WNBA Player.

Stephen Curry was honored with the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, while the late NBA legend Jason Collins was honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.

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1. SPURS & SUNS MOVE CLOSER TO PLAYOFF SPOTS WITH ONE DAY LEFT

With the Summer League playoffs two days away, and two teams (L.A. & Atlanta) undefeated at 3-0, two 3-1 teams both just took big steps toward locking up spots in the semis.

Here’s how the Spurs and Suns stayed in position for a seat in Saturday’s semifinal action — among a four-team pack of 3-1 squads.

Need a refresher on how Summer League Playoff tiebreakers work? In short, if more than two teams are tied, point differential is the decider. Tap here for more.

Spurs 94, Jazz 82: No. 42 overall pick Ja’Kobi Gillespie led all scorers with 25 points to help San Antonio push past Darryn Peterson (15 pts) and the Jazz. The Spurs settled a game of seven ties with a 15-4 surge to close the 3rd and stay up for good. | Recap

• “Lee! Lee! Lee!”: San Antonio’s Hyunjung Lee piled up 22 points off the bench, sinking four 3s to get the crowd chanting his name
• In The Hunt: The Spurs (3-1) played their way into the standings’ top 4, in line for a Playoff matchup with one day of pool play remaining today

Suns 100, Pistons 88: Phoenix opened and closed with lockdown defense, holding Detroit under 15 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters, including a 9-0 closeout over the final 2:30. Offensively, the Suns shot 51.5% overall.

Khaman Maluach, a 2025 top-10 pick, led the Suns (23 pts, 15 reb) and was backed up by fellow returner Rasheer Fleming (22 pts, 8 reb, 4 3s) and rookie Koa Peat (19 pts). Brice Williams (24 pts) paced Detroit, with 16 more from No. 17 pick Ebuka Okorie. | Recap

The Suns (3-1) finish pool play in 4th place, eyeing one of two Playoff matchups this weekend. Six teams in action Thursday are within reach of Phoenix’s spot, based on point differential

• Knocking At The Door: Six other 2-1 teams – the Nets, Rockets, Warriors, Grizzlies, Nuggets and Raptors – can jump into the playoff mix as they finish pool play today
• Packing The Plus: Four of those teams already have strong enough point differentials to jump past both the Spurs and Suns, if they can claim a third win

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2. CELTICS, MAGIC KEEP PACE IN VEGAS RACE, NEED HELP THURSDAY

Jase Richardson added another huge slam to the family highlight reel Wednesday night – amid a scoring clinic.

Magic 99, 76ers 92: Richardson dropped 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including a ridiculous spinning reverse finish and a high-flying jam, as the Magic held off Labaran Philon Jr. (15 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast) and the Sixers. | Recap

• Sophomore Steps: Richardson, the No. 25 pick in 2025, has averaged 18.3 points and 4.7 assists in three Vegas outings
• Where Orlando Stands: The Magic closed pool play at 3-1 with a +1.8 point differential, putting them in 6th place entering Thursday

Celtics 82, Kings 76: After Sacramento took a 2-0 lead, Boston held its opponent scoreless for over six minutes, keeping the Kings to 4 1st-quarter points to stay ahead for good. Hugo González’s (10 reb, 5 ast) game-high 24 points helped the C’s survive the Kings’ late charge. | Recap

• Last-Ditch Effort: No. 29 overall pick Alex Karaban (21 pts, 8 reb, 5 3s) caught fire for 9 points in the Kings’ 17-3 run late in the 4th, but Boston recovered with a 5-1 closeout in the final 30 seconds
• Next In Line: Like Orlando, Boston (3-1) finishes pool play just outside the top-4 for a Playoff seat with a +2.3 average point differential, needing help Thursday to break in | Full NBA Summer League standings

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3. ROUNDUP: NATE AMENT, PAIR OF WOLVES STANDOUT WEDNESDAY

Clippers 108, Wizards 94: Without top-pick AJ Dybantsa or No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler, LA returner Kobe Sanders poured in a game-high 26 points to lead six Clippers in double figures, separating from Seth Trimble (24 pts) and Washington for good with a 26-14 close to the 3rd. | Recap

• “Give him a contract! He’s gotta be the smartest rookie right now.” – Kenny “The Jet” Smith stopped by the ESPN broadcast and was impressed with Sanders’ buzzer-beater IQ
• Shooting Support: Second-round pick Nick Martinelli splashed 19 points on 3-of-3 3FG for the Clippers

Cavaliers 82, Pelicans 77: Three-year vet Malaki Branham scored 14 of his game-high 23 points in the 4th, capped by four clutch free throws in the closing seconds to propel the Cavs past Markquis Nowell (20 pts) and the Pels.

Cavs rookie Meleek Thomas, posting a Vegas-best 28.3 ppg, got the night off as Cleveland improved to 2-2. | Recap

Wolves 114, Pacers 98: Isaiah Evans, this year’s No. 33 pick out of Duke, popped with 22 points, while Zyon Pullin added a game-high 23, and Enrique Freeman (14 pts, 11 reb) added a double-double, leading Minnesota (2-2) past Jalen Slawson (20 pts, 9 reb) and Indy. | Recap

Bucks 110, Hornets 91: No. 13 overall pick Nate Ament (23 pts, 6 reb) led a deep Milwaukee attack to its first win in Vegas, with eight players reaching double figures, to overpower No. 14 pick Hannes Steinbach’s 27-point, 15-board performance. | Recap

• Run Eraser: After Charlotte made it a 1-point game with a 16-2 run in the 3rd (63-62), Milwaukee responded with their own 16-2 quarter closeout and stayed ahead by double digits the rest of the way
• Names To Know: Ament was one of six players to catch NBA.com’s Steve Aschburner’s eye Wednesday, as the standout players from Day 7 in Vegas

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4. TODAY: LAKERS & HAWKS AIM TO GO 4-0, MORE TEAMS EYE SEMIS

After both the Lakers and Hawks went 2-1 in the Cali Classic and Salt Lake City, respectively, the desert’s only unbeaten teams can complete clean sweeps of NBA Summer League pool play today.

The Lakers can reach 4-0 with a victory over the Bulls (6 ET, Prime) and punch their ticket to Saturday’s Semifinals (6:30, 8:30 ET).

• Instant Impact: Cameron Carr, the No. 24 overall pick in this year’s draft, has driven Los Angeles with 20.5 points per game on a 48.4% field-goal percentage
• Big Foe: The 6-foot-5 guard out of Baylor could hit the hardwood opposite Caleb Wilson, who was drafted No. 4 and is averaging 24.3 ppg and 7 rpg through three games
• Lake Show Cast: Rounding out the Lakers’ top-three scorers are former Texas forward Arthur Kaluma (22.3 ppg) and former Arkansas guard Adou Thiero (16 ppg)

Atlanta must defeat Memphis — which is in the Playoff chase — to reach 4-0 (8 ET, Prime). The Hawks (like the Lakers) are win-and-in and are hunting the best record in Vegas.

• Something’s Bruin: UCLA product Kobe Johnson has averaged 19.3 ppg for the Hawks in Vegas. He dropped a 30-piece off the bench Monday in a 102-90 defeat of Boston
• Lotto Action: Lottery picks Cameron Boozer (18.7 ppg, 7 rpg) and Kingston Flemings (7 ppg, 6.5 apg), who were selected at No. 3 and No. 8, respectively, meet for the first time in Summer League
• Ready To Roar? The Grizzlies remain in Playoff contention with a 2-1 record, having beaten the Bulls, 97-96, and the Warriors, 106-85

The Nets can reach 3-1 with a victory over the Rockets (4:30 ET, ESPNU), and the Nuggets can do the same against the Trail Blazers (10 ET, Prime).

• Mavericks vs. Thunder (4 ET, Prime)
• Warriors vs. Knicks (7 ET, ESPN2)
• Raptors vs. Heat (9 ET, ESPN2)

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5. 2026 NIKE EYBL PEACH JAM: THE NEXT GENERATION OF HOOPERS

The 2026 Nike EYBL Peach Jam is underway in North Augusta, S.C., where some of the nation’s top high school hoopers are taking center stage, with games streaming live on the NBA App, NBA.com, NBA YouTube and NBA TV.

One of the premier events on the high school hoops calendar, Peach Jam has long served as a proving ground for future NBA talent, with countless stars making their mark before reaching the league.

• Future Stars: Before they became 2026 NBA Draft picks, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson and Brayden Burries all turned heads at Peach Jam – as did reigning Kia Rookie of the Year, Cooper Flagg
• Then & Now: Wonder what their games looked like before the NBA? Jerry Jiang revisits the Peach Jam performances that showcased their talent against the nation’s best

Now, a new wave of prospects is looking to follow in their footsteps, and the highlights have come in bunches.

• Five-Star Showing: AJ Williams, ESPN’s No. 1-ranked recruit in the Class of 2028, lived up to the billing on Wednesday, dropping 32 points to lead Team CP3 to victory
• Monster Poster: Watch Paul George Elite’s Damarian Landry cock it back and throw down a vicious one-handed hammer
• Rebel Eruption: See Cayden Daughtry split the double and somehow finish through contact amid a 27-point 1st half for the Florida Rebels

Don’t Miss Out: Pool play continues through Friday before the single-elimination Playoffs tip off Saturday, culminating with the Peach Jam championship on Sunday.

Follow the action on the NBA App, NBA.com, NBA YouTube and NBA TV.

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