From Seoul to courtside: how many NBA games has BTS star Suga attended?

NBA’s tunnel is about fashion, but its courtside is all about culture and influence. From Hollywood celebrities to K-pop royalty, NBA’s entertainment spectrum has broadened. One such face amongst the cluster of stars is Min Yoongi, aka Suga of BTS. Suga isn’t just a casual spectator of basketball rather has been a lifelong student of this sport. In fact, his stage name is literally a nod to his position as a Shooting Guard.

Made the official NBA Global Ambassador in 2023, Suga has been spotted at various NBA games. But just how deep does his courtside resume go? As of late 2025, Suga has been spotted at five major NBA events, each marking a significant moment in his journey from a fan in Daegu to a face of the league.

1. LA Clippers vs. Detroit Pistons (2021)

During BTS’s stay in Los Angeles for their Permission to Dance concerts in December 2021, Suga quietly slipped into a Clippers game. It wasn't a massive media spectacle at the time, just a genuine fan enjoying a night at the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena). Donning an all-black outfit with a black beanie and a mask, he was still recognized by the fans, and when the photos surfaced, it set the internet on fire. This low-key appearance proved that his love for the game was far from a PR stunt.

2. The NBA Japan Games (2022)

In September 2022, the world got its first taste of Suga as a formal partner of the league. Attending the preseason matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Washington Wizards in Saitama, Japan, Suga moved from the stands to the inner circle. This was the legendary trip where he met Stephen Curry, gifting him a signed album while Curry returned the favor with a signed jersey. Seeing the Shooting Guard meet the greatest shooter in history was like a glitch in the matrix moment for ARMY and NBA fans.

3. Mavericks vs. Lakers (January 2023)

On January 12, 2023, Suga’s presence at games became a highly anticipated event. He returned to Los Angeles to watch Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks take on LeBron James and the Lakers. Dressed in understated luxury, with an oversized black blazer matching wide-leg pants, silver hoops in his ears, and slick back hair, he was officially welcomed by the Lakers' social media team with a signed Lakers jersey.

4. Knicks vs. Heat (May 2023)

Shortly after being named an official NBA Ambassador in April 2023, Suga was spotted at Madison Square Garden during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat. Sitting courtside, he was seen interacting with Knicks legend Patrick Ewing, holding up a custom #1 Knicks jersey. This wasn't just a game, it was a statement that Suga was part of the NBA’s postseason fabric.

5. Lakers vs. Warriors (May 2023)

Before enlisting for mandatory military service, Suga returned to Crypto.com Arena for Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals between Warriors and Lakers. For this high-stakes battle, Suga wore a Lakers varsity jacket and sat among the Hollywood elite, fully immersed in the playoff atmosphere. It was his final major courtside appearance before his mandatory service began in September, leaving fans with a lasting image of his dedication to the sport.

BTS Suga most most-awaited return

After completing his mandatory service, Suga was officially discharged on June 21st, 2025. While his 2025 appearances remain more selective as he transitions back into his music career, the league welcomed back their Global Ambassador through a social media post while hinting at a future courtside appearances. Suga’s "Suga x NBA" capsule collection with Mitchell & Ness launched in 2023, and continues to be a best-seller, proving that his influence on basketball culture is just as commendable as BTS’s grip on the music industry.

Also read: The most expensive watches owned by Stephen Curry








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