Jalen Brunson might have a key to New York City after a famous victory for the New York Knicks this past summer, but apparently there’s one door that key can’t unlock: the entrance to the Saturday Night Live studio.
In a new promo ahead of the sketch comedy series’ season 52 premiere, Brunson steps foot into Studio 8H with his ceremonial Key to the City in hand, only to discover that getting into SNL isn’t as easy as he thought. The NBA champion can be seen next to comedian and SNL cast member Ben Marshall, who quickly tries to intervene on Brunson’s aggressive attempts to make his way inside, including using a mallet and a chainsaw to try and break the door to the studio down.
The promo plays off Brunson’s actual New York City credentials. After leading the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years, Brunson was awarded the Key to the City earlier this year. He was also named MVP of the 2026 NBA Finals after averaging 32.6 points per game during the five-game series.
Brunson will now host the season 52 premiere of Saturday Night Live this Saturday (Sept. 26), which will be his first time hosting for the long-running NBC sketch series. He’ll be joined by KATSEYE, who will make their debut as the episode’s musical guest.
Though KATSEYE aren’t featured in the new promo, the group is set to play a major role in Saturday’s premiere. The global girl group will perform as the first musical guest of the new season, following a busy year that has included the release of its latest EP, WILD, which famously gave the group their first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 upon its release.
The upcoming performance comes as KATSEYE continues endeavors with a four-member lineup. Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung are currently active members of the group, while Manon Bannerman and Sophia Laforteza are on hiatus.
As for Brunson, his SNL appearance is another way to celebrate an eventful year for the NBA star. Fresh off an NBA championship and Finals MVP honor, he’s now trading the basketball court for Studio 8H, where he’ll have the opportunity to show another side of himself.
Saturday Night Live season 52 premieres Saturday, Sept. 26 at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, live on NBC and Peacock.
Watch the full promo video below.
