In a whirlwind moment of dreams becoming reality, YouTuber and streamer Kai Cenat has taken his passion for basketball to new heights by joining the NBA’s digital creators program and launching his own fictional league, the Little Basketball Association (LBA). Known for his viral pranks and love of basketball, Cenat recently attended an NBA season opener between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks at TD Garden, where he met Commissioner Adam Silver. The meeting wasn’t just a friendly encounter; it became a dream-come-true moment when Silver invited Cenat to join the NBA’s newest initiative, NBA Playmakers, designed to bring exclusive behind-the-scenes content to fans.
As part of this digital endeavor, Cenat has begun collaborating with the NBA, joining a group of content creators, including Drew Afualo, who produce licensed videos that reach younger, digital-native audiences. “It’s a dream come true to work with the NBA and bring more content to my supporters this season,” Cenat shared.
Beyond his NBA collaboration, Cenat also launched the Little Basketball Association, a lighthearted parody league that debuted in Atlanta’s Overtime Arena. With kids as the league’s stars, Cenat humorously played the role of a towering leader for his team, the New York Sky, towering over his teammates at 5’4″. With courtside fans holding oversized cutouts of his face and popular streamers cheering him on, the fictional circuit created a buzz online. The New York Sky faced off against the Dallas Giants, ultimately securing a win, 53-44, in an entertaining match where the young players displayed their talent, while Cenat occasionally stumbled and missed shots, focusing on giving these young athletes a chance to shine.
The LBA games are set to continue until early October, providing Cenat’s fans with a daily dose of humor and basketball action. From rubbing elbows with NBA legends to nurturing a young, imaginative basketball league, Cenat has proven that the modern digital creator can blend entertainment, sports, and fantasy—bringing audiences along for the ride.
