Jalen Brunson Launches Family Firm and Heads to SNL

Jalen Brunson is launching a family-run business and preparing to host Saturday Night Live, capping a whirlwind offseason for the New York Knicks' reigning Finals MVP. The point guard, who led the franchise to its first title in 53 years, is expanding his brand off the court while gearing up for a return to basketball.

A New Family Business Takes Shape

On September 16, Brunson and his family officially launched the Thirty Third Management Group, a New York-based brand advisory firm. The company's name references Brunson being selected No. 33 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. He will be the firm's first client, but the plan is to work with other athletes, executives, and philanthropic foundations. "My family has been with me every step of the way, and everything we do is rooted in trust," Brunson said in a press release. "Thirty Third gives us the chance to take ownership of my off-court business, to build something that reflects who we are, and to do it together."

It is a true family operation. His mother, Sandra Brunson, who has managed his business for eight years, will serve as president. His sister, Erica Brunson, is the director of client services and will spearhead a specific focus on women's sports. A close friend, Connor Cashaw, handles business development. The firm aims to put women's sports front and center.

From the Hardwood to Studio 8H

Brunson's cultural moment continues with a high-profile television gig. He is set to host the Season 52 premiere of Saturday Night Live on September 26. This makes him just the fifth NBA player ever to host the iconic sketch show, joining legends like Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Charles Barkley. He will be the first New York Knicks player to take the stage at Studio 8H. Pop group Katseye will be the musical guest for the episode.

The appearance comes after a historic season where Brunson averaged 32.6 points, 4.6 assists and 4.2 rebounds during the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, earning Finals MVP honors. His performance included a 45-point effort in the championship-clinching Game 5. Hosting SNL offers another platform to embrace his celebrity status in the city. He might get some practice two days prior, as he and teammate Josh Hart are scheduled to host a live edition of their podcast, "The Roommates Show," on September 24.

A Guest Spot on a Favorite Show

Television work is not limited to comedy. Brunson, a self-professed fan, will also make a guest appearance on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He will feature in the fifth episode of Season 28, which is scheduled to air on November 5. Details about his character are under wraps, but a promotional teaser already released shows him bantering with series star Mariska Hargitay. In the clip, Hargitay jokes about the pressure of his NBA Finals experience, specifically referencing OG Anunoby's game-winning tip-in during Game 4.

The Offseason Grind Before Camp

All these commitments are happening in the final weeks before training camp. Media day and official team preparations begin in late September, forcing Brunson to quickly shift his focus back to the daily grind of an NBA season. The Knicks will be looking to defend their title, and all eyes will be on their leader to see if he can carry last season's magic into the 2026-27 campaign. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.

• Jalen Brunson launches Thirty Third Management Group, a family-run advisory firm with a focus on women's sports, on September 16.
• He hosts Saturday Night Live on September 26, becoming the fifth NBA player and first Knick to do so.
• A guest role on Law & Order: SVU is set for November 5, capitalizing on his post-championship fame.
• Brunson averaged 32.6 points in the 2026 NBA Finals, leading the Knicks to their first title in over five decades.