The national anthem is one of those short pregame moments that still gets people talking. Before the players tip off, before the cameras cut to the stars in the crowd, and before the first basket drops, one singer gets the whole arena’s attention.
For the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, the anthem lineup became part of the bigger Finals story. There were Grammy winners, rising vocalists, Broadway talent, and a Texas country star, each bringing a different sound to the stage.
2026 NBA Finals National Anthem Singers by Game
Game 1: Tori Kelly
Tori Kelly opened the 2026 NBA Finals with the national anthem before Game 1 between the Knicks and Spurs.
It was a strong choice for the first game because Kelly is known for clean vocals, big runs, and a polished live sound. She has built a career across pop, gospel, and film music, so her name made sense for a national broadcast moment.
Game 1 had the feel of a true opener. The Finals were back with a major matchup, and Kelly’s performance gave the broadcast a smooth, high-profile start.
Game 2: KELS
KELS performed the national anthem before Game 2 in San Antonio.
For many casual NBA fans, this was likely their first time hearing her name. That is part of what made the choice interesting. Instead of only leaning on the most familiar mainstream names, the Finals gave a growing artist a huge live platform.
KELS brought a soul and jazz edge to the moment. Her performance also connected nicely with San Antonio, since she has spoken about having personal ties to the city.
Game 3: Avery Wilson
Avery Wilson sang the national anthem when the series moved to Madison Square Garden.
His performance drew extra attention because the Knicks’ home playoff atmosphere had already turned him into a fan favorite. Wilson had become something of a good luck charm during the Knicks’ postseason run, with fans linking his anthem appearances to the team’s home success.
That kind of storyline is perfect for the NBA Finals. It is not just about the song. It is about the arena, the timing, the crowd, and the little rituals fans start to believe in.
Game 4: Avery Wilson
Avery Wilson returned for Game 4 at Madison Square Garden.
By then, his role felt bigger than a one-night anthem slot. Knicks fans had already connected his voice with the team’s playoff energy, and Madison Square Garden gave the performance a dramatic setting.
Wilson’s Broadway background also made him a natural fit for New York. He has the kind of stage presence that can hold a loud arena before the game even begins.
Game 5: Mickey Guyton
Mickey Guyton performed the national anthem before Game 5 in San Antonio.
This was a fitting choice for a Finals game at Frost Bank Center. Guyton is a Texas native, and her country music background brought a different feel from the pop, soul, and Broadway-style performances earlier in the series.
She also had major anthem experience before the NBA Finals, including a Super Bowl performance. That matters because singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in a packed sports arena is not a casual gig. The song is vocally demanding, the timing is tight, and the audience notices everything.
The Anthem Moment Still Matters
The NBA Finals is full of huge shots, celebrity sightings, halftime shows, and championship pressure. Still, the national anthem has its own place in the night.It is the last deep breath before the game starts.
For the 2026 NBA Finals, Tori Kelly, KELS, Avery Wilson, and Mickey Guyton each gave the series a different pregame sound. If you are looking for the national anthem singer for the NBA Final, the best answer is to check the specific game, because each night had its own voice.
