Jalen Brunson Shines at TIME100 Sports Red Carpet in NYC

Jalen Brunson turned heads at the TIME100 Sports Gala in New York City on 12 June 2025, joining LeBron James and a star-studded crowd on the red carpet.

What happened at the TIME100 Sports Gala?

Brunson joined LeBron James, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cooper Flagg among others at the annual TIME100 Sports event in Manhattan. The gala honored athletes including James, who received the “Athlete of the Century” award. Brunson, the New York Knicks guard, posed for photos and mingled with fellow honorees before the night’s closing toast.

James and his wife, Savannah, walked the red carpet and even ran into Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn. Brunson appeared alongside Oklahoma City’s SGA, Dallas’s Cooper Flagg, figure skater Ilia Malinin, NHL brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes, and USWNT star Trinity Rodman.

Why Brunson’s presence matters

For Brunson, the night offered a rare off-court moment in a packed summer schedule. The Knicks star is coming off a season where he averaged 25.0 points and 6.4 assists while leading New York to the Eastern Conference semifinals. His appearance at the gala put him in a room with some of the biggest names in global sports.

The event also gave Brunson a chance to network outside basketball circles. James’s emotional closing remarks capped the evening, thanking TIME for the honor and reflecting on sports’ power to inspire. Brunson’s spot among those speakers’ peers underscores his growing profile beyond the hardwood.

What comes next for Brunson?

Brunson’s 2024-25 season ended with a playoff run that fell short of the NBA Finals. Now, he faces a summer of training, sponsorship talks and contract discussions. The Knicks are expected to push for a deep postseason push again, and Brunson’s leadership will be key.

Off the court, Brunson’s public appearances-like the TIME100 Gala-help shape his brand. With James aging but still dominant, Brunson is stepping into a bigger spotlight. His red-carpet moment in June 2025 could be a preview of even brighter stages ahead.

Full guest list and vibe check

The TIME100 Sports Gala drew the A-list of American sports: NBA stars Brunson and SGA, NFL’s Travis Kelce, NHL’s Hughes twins, USWNT’s Rodman and more. The energy mixed fashion, philanthropy and celebration, with James’s toast closing the night on a reflective note.

Brunson’s outfit wasn’t the flashiest, but his presence spoke volumes. For a player who’s quietly become one of the league’s most reliable guards, the night was another step toward the top tier of global athletes.