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LOS ANGELES – Complex brought the heat to basketball’s biggest weekend with the highly anticipated debut of Complex Market on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The curated fusion of vintage sportswear, streetwear, and sneakers came to life in the heart of Los Angeles, featuring Chase Freedom’s Cashback Courts as a cultural playground where sport met style and rewards.
CHASE FREEDOM’S CASHBACK COURTS DELIVERED UNFORGETTABLE FAN MOMENTS
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: Atmosphere at the Chase Freedom Cashback Courts at Complex Market during the Biggest Weekend in Basketball on February 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Complex)
The day kicked off with basketball legends and cultural icons connecting directly with fans through competition, conversation, and celebration.
GETTY images here
Fan “COAT” Competition with Kevin Hart, Jarred Vanderbilt & Chris Paul
Kevin Hart, Chris Paul, and Jarred Vanderbilt arrived together to energize the crowd for a friendly COAT shooting competition. The on-court chemistry was electric as Kevin kept fans and fellow competitors laughing throughout. “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” Kevin emphasized after a fan surprised everyone with exceptional shooting skills. The comedian also playfully teased Chris Paul, calling him the “oldest cashbacker” during the competition, and challenged him to a one-on-one matchup, joking that Chris would “lose every day of the week” if Chase put up the money.
Following the competition, Kevin and Chris took photos with fans and awarded prizes, with Freedom Cardmembers earning cashback through donations to the American Heart Association.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: Jarred Vanderbilt, DJ Malski, Kevin Hart, Chris Paul and guest visit the Chase Freedom Cashback Courts at Complex Market during the Biggest Weekend in Basketball on February 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Complex)
Smokin’ Ace, Brian Kortovic, & Friends (2:00pm – 5:00pm)
The ACES Battle of the Platforms delivered competitive 3-on-3 round-robin tournament action throughout the afternoon.
Love & Basketball with Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Gina Prince-Bythewood & Juju Watkins (5:00pm)
Hosted by Love & Basketball star Sanaa Lathan and WNBA star Juju Watkins, this activation celebrated the Playa Society x Love & Basketball merch collaboration with on-court competition, trivia, and fan engagement.
Fan “COAT” Competition Finale with Lethal Shooter & Jeff Hamilton (6:00pm)
Lethal Shooter hosted the final fan shooting competition, crowning the Greatest Cashbacker of All Time with a custom designed COAT by iconic fashion designer Jeff Hamilton.
7pm in Los Angeles with Carmelo Anthony and Kaz Live Taping with Chris Paul (7:00pm)
The evening culminated with an emotional live taping of the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, featuring Carmelo Anthony, media personality Kaz, and special guest Chris Paul.
Carmelo gave Chris an emotional introduction, calling him “one of the greatest point guards ever” before leading the audience in a toast. He acknowledged Chris’s recent retirement announcement, noting it surprised him and many others in the basketball community.
Chris Paul opened up about his decision, sharing that retirement “feels a little lighter” though he’s still processing the transition. “I set a personal deadline that if I wasn’t on a team by a certain point, I would be done by All-Star,” Chris revealed. He treated the end of last season like it might be his final stretch, then later felt “too damn good” to retire right then. His return was emotional because he got to play in front of family.
The conversation included the popular “Run the Ones” segment with hypothetical matchups:
- Russell Westbrook vs. Derrick Rose (prime): Chris chose Russ but expressed deep respect for D-Rose, noting injuries prevented them from playing each other more
- Kyrie Irving vs. Allen Iverson (one-on-one): Chris said he’d take Kyrie in 1v1, but Iverson in a 5-on-5 setting
- Damian Lillard vs. Steph Curry: Chris called it a “dog fight” and acknowledged both as elite shooters
Carmelo closed the taping by giving Chris his “flowers” in front of the live audience and praising his lasting impact on the league.
Throughout the day, fans competed for exclusive giveaways including custom coats by Jeff Hamilton, limited-edition ACES hats and hoodies, Brick & Woods totes, and Playa Society x Love & Basketball merchandise.
THE PREMIER DESTINATION FOR NEXT-GEN COLLECTORS
Complex Market represented a new era in sports collecting and streetwear culture, bringing together vintage sportswear, coveted streetwear pieces, premium sneakers and collectibles, all within an elevated environment that honored the legacy of basketball and street culture.
For more information, visit Complex Market or follow @complex on social media.
ABOUT COMPLEX
Complex is the definitive platform for global youth culture and music lifestyle, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge content, commerce and live experiences with unparalleled scale.
Whether through video, long-form text, or social media, Complex tells stories of streetwear and style, music, sports, art and beyond. Its content engages in a dynamic conversation with the audience, reflecting and shaping the zeitgeist of convergence culture.
A powerful media juggernaut paired with a curated marketplace, Complex is redefining the way fans interact with their favorite brands and artists and reshaping the future of digital culture and commerce. Complex’s strategic partnership with Universal Music Group delivers unparalleled experiences and exclusive collaborations to passionate music fans.
Ahead of the Olympic Winter Games, Gillette Venus announced its partnership with U.S. Figure Skating athletes Alysa Liu, Isabeau Levito, and Starr Andrews, aligning with Team USA as the Official Razor of the Games. In the lead-up to competition, when routines sharpen and rituals matter most, Venus is positioning smooth precision as part of the preparation, and for figure skaters training and competing in the cold of Milan, performance extends beyond the ice. We spoke with Starr Andrews ahead of the Games about artistry, identity, and the rituals that ground her before stepping into an arena.
Andrews has never skated quietly. Long before Olympic conversations, before national podiums and international assignments, she was a child skating to “Whip My Hair,” unapologetic and magnetic. Her now iconic viral routine, set to Willow Smith’s anthem, showcased both technical skill and personality. Even earlier, at four years old, she was performing to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and “Lean Back,” choosing contrast over convention. “I’ve always kind of had bold music choices,” she says. “I feel like people get scared to use certain songs because they’re not sure if judges will get it. I’m just like, I’m going to do it. And I’m going to try to act it out so they understand.”
That instinct to choose differently has followed her into adulthood. In recent Olympic cycles, Andrews began recording her own vocals for competition programs, a rare move in figure skating. The first time she performed to her own voice, singing Whitney Houston, she admits it startled her. Hearing herself echo through an arena mid-program felt surreal. “I forgot that I recorded it,” she laughs. “I was like, oh my god, that’s me.” What began as an experiment evolved into a pattern. For another Olympic year, she recorded “At Last” by Etta James. Her voice has matured, deepened, and the choice to sing her own music has become more than novelty. Skating to her own voice, she explains, shifts something internally, the performance feels less performative and more personal.
“It’s more calming,” she says. “I know what I’m singing about. It’s heartfelt. It brings a genuine smile.” She describes how different genres trigger different physical responses. While, her short program channels Beyoncé (sassy, sharp, confident), her long program moves between darker, vampire-inspired intensity and a softer second half set to “Turning Page” by Sleeping At Last, a song she sings herself. The lyrics thank those who’ve supported her journey.
Andrews enters this Olympic chapter not as a newcomer but as an athlete shaped by cycles of successes, setbacks, and visibility. Born in Los Angeles and introduced to skating by her mother, she rose through the ranks quickly, becoming one of the most recognizable young faces in U.S. figure skating. Her early viral fame introduced her to a broader audience, but her competitive résumé solidified her credibility: national medals, Grand Prix assignments, and now Olympic selection as an alternate for Team USA.
Representation has been part of her story whether she intended it or not. Growing up, she rarely saw skaters who looked like her. The first time she remembers seeing someone with curly hair on television was Adam Rippon. “I was glued to the screen,” she says. “I had never seen that before.” At international competitions, she often found herself the only Black girl in the locker room. She remembers one moment of discomfort, sitting in that realization. “I felt like I stuck out,” she says. “But I made it there. So it didn’t matter.” Now, she works with organizations like Unity Ice Academy, supporting young skaters of color entering a space that still lacks diversity. What began with a small group has grown significantly.
Beyond competition, Andrews’ creativity extends in quieter directions. She paints. She embroiders. She knits. She cooks. If she weren’t a figure skater, she imagines she’d still be in motion. Dance, gymnastics, even synchronized swimming once captures her attention, but currently skating allows her to combine athleticism with her own narrative. That intersection between beauty, performance, and discipline makes the Gillette Venus partnership feel authentic. “Figure skaters have rituals before stepping on the ice,” she says. For her, that includes shaving. Cold air, sensitive skin, dry arenas aren’t just cosmetic concerns but also physical ones. Andrews, who has eczema and dry skin, gravitates toward moisturizing razors with aloe and built-in lubrication which means fewer irritations and fewer distractions. Milano Cortina 2026 represents another chapter in her journey that began with glitter dresses and spotlights. “I started skating because I thought it was shiny and cool,” she says. Today, she steps into the Olympic conversation as a seasoned athlete, artist, and advocate. She is someone who has carved space for herself rather than waiting for it to appear.
As Super Bowl weekend reached its fever pitch, Guy Fieri turned the Cow Palace into the epicenter of pregame energy with Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate, one of the largest free Super Bowl events in the country. Just hours before kickoff, more than 10,000 fans flooded the iconic venue 40 miles north of the big game site to experience a bold, high-octane celebration that felt equal parts food festival, concert, and classic American tailgate.
The Bay Area native brought his unmistakable personality home, transforming the Cow Palace into a full-scale Flavortown takeover. From Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives restaurant pop-ups to Guy’s custom-created culinary concepts and beloved local favorites, the event featured 10+ culinary experiences designed to satisfy every craving imaginable. Guests sampled free bites from top food partners, paired with ice-cold beer, creative cocktails, and a nonstop flow of tailgate fun.
Music played a starring role in the day’s festivities, with live performances by Tucker Wetmore and Loud Luxury delivering the perfect soundtrack to Big Game Sunday. The crowd—packed with fans ready to celebrate football’s biggest day—danced, sang along, and soaked in the electric atmosphere that only a Guy Fieri production can deliver.
The star power didn’t stop on stage. The tailgate drew an impressive lineup of celebrity guests and sports legends, including Rob Gronkowski, Eli Manning, Aaron Jones, Navarro Bowman, Eric Kendricks, and comedian Bill Burr. One of the day’s most talked-about moments came when Guy and Burr shared cigars and laughs, capping off a years-long running joke as Guy finally scored Burr’s phone number—after “hounding” it from fellow comedian Bert Kreischer for years.
Produced by Medium Rare and presented by SpotOn, the event leaned hard into its fan-first mission. With support from major sponsors including Anheuser-Busch, Carnival Cruise Line, Verizon, Velveeta, King’s Hawaiian, Sabra, Pendleton Whisky, Santo Tequila, and Coke Zero, Flavortown Tailgate wasn’t just about spectacle—it was about access. Carnival Cruise Line provided free entry to 2,000 veterans and active-duty military members, while SpotOn guaranteed entry for many local food service workers, underscoring the event’s community-driven spirit.
Photoby DEMIAN BECERRA HOLY_MOUNTAIN
At its core, Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate was a celebration of the people who love food, football, and a good time—no tickets, no barriers, just pure, unapologetic fun. A deep-fried Super Bowl party in every sense, it brought together a devoted crowd of diners, drive-ins, and dives devotees and sent Super Bowl weekend in San Francisco out in unforgettable Flavortown style.
Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t do anything halfway—and on Friday, February 6, he proved it once again as Shaq’s Fun House Presented by Credit One Bank made its San Francisco debut. Touching down at the legendary Cow Palace, the larger-than-life spectacle kicked off Super Bowl weekend with booming bass, flashing lights, and an energy level only Shaq could deliver.
Hooping into the Holidays! ESPN hosted Winter Season’s Swishes Holiday Portrait Studio at Bryant Park Winter Village on Sunday.
The good times rolled out in Baton Rouge during a stop for Raising Cane’s 6th annual Holiday Bike Giveaway.
This week, downtown Los Angeles once again proved why The League has become the city’s most elusive and electric collision of sport, music, and culture.
On Monday, September 29, the New York Hilton hosted one of sports and philanthropy’s most meaningful nights: The Great Sports Legends Dinner, benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis.
The event, now in its fourth decade, honored ten iconic athletes while raising both awareness and critical funding for research into paralysis and neurological disorders. While Marc Buoniconti couldn’t be there this year, the night was also a celebration of his 59th birthday while continuing a legacy that blends athletic greatness with humanitarian impact.
This year’s honorees: MLB titan Albert Pujols, NBA legends Dominique Wilkins and Dwight Howard, NFL icons Warren Moon and Thurman Thomas, NASCAR champion Kurt Busch, NHL great Jeremy Roenick, Olympic speedskater Apolo Ohno, golf trailblazer Michelle Wie West, and racing legend Frankie Dettori.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 29: (L-R) Mario Gabelli, Dwight Howard, Frankie Dettori, Dominique Wilkins, Emilio Estefan, Thurman Thomas, Gloria Estefan, Kurt Busch, Bob Costas, Michelle Wie, Warren Moon, Albert Pujols, Jeremy Roenick, Apolo Ohno and Barth Green attend The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis’ 40th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner, at the Hilton Midtown. The event raises the much-needed funds for The Buoniconti Fund, the fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, a designated Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of medicine and the world’s premier spinal cord injury research center. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis)
“It’s an honor to be here with the greats—some legends that I grew up watching,” said Dwight Howard, reflecting on his place among the elite group. Looking ahead, Howard shared what he’s most excited for: “To be with my wife, raise my kids, and enjoy life.”
The event is more than just a dinner; it is the beating heart of The Buoniconti Fund, the fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, based at the University of Miami. The Fund was born from tragedy- when Marc Buoniconti was paralyzed in a college football game- but has since raised millions to advance research for spinal cord injury, ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, and more- thanks to his efforts, the efforts of his father Nick Buoniconti, the former NFL Hall of Fame linebacker (captain of the 1972 Dolphins), and Dr. Barth Green.
Instagram / @marcbuoniconti
“We all have someone in our families who are dealing with some form of paralysis,” noted NBA legend Dominique Wilkins. “We have a responsibility to do whatever we can to help them, help themselves.”
Apolo Ohno echoed that sentiment: “The fact that they’ve turned this devastation into something that people can rally behind…that they can dedicate their time and invest their own monies into funding research, it’s incredible.”
Christian Slater’s first time attending the event was back in 2015, and 10 years later, he praised the community it’s built: “The fact that we’re here celebrating Dr. Barth Greene is also a huge deal. He’s been a legend and has done so much for so many people.”
Dr. Barth Green received the 2025 Buoniconti Fund Award while Mario Gabelli was presented with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award.
Hosted by Gloria Estefan and Bob Costas with a performance by Foreigner, Estefan noted since first emceeing this event, “We’ve made a lot of technological and scientific advancements that are going to better, not only the chances of people with paralysis to walk again, but people with ALS, Alzheimer’s, MS, Parkinson’s… So, I feel very honored and privileged to be a part of it in any way.” Gloria and Emilio Estefan donated $40,000 in honor of the 40th Anniversary of the dinner.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 29: (L-R) Kelly Hansen, Chris Frazier, Jeff Pilson, Luis Maldonado, Bruce Watson and Michael Bluestein of Foreigner attend The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis’ 40th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner, at the Hilton Midtown. The event raises the much-needed funds for The Buoniconti Fund, the fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, a designated Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of medicine and the world’s premier spinal cord injury research center. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis)
Title Sponsors were The DiMare Family and the Paul J. DiMare Foundation while presenting Sponsors were Tudor Group and The Mack Family.
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – It was tee time for a cause at yesterday’s 25th Annual Emmys Golf Classic, held at the iconic Riviera Country Club.