Magic Johnson named Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses

NBA legend Magic Johnson has been named grand marshal of the 2026 Tournament of Roses and is scheduled to participate in the 137th Rose Parade on New Year’s Day as well as the pre-game ceremonies of the 112th Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California.

Johnson, 66, was named to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002 after 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 19.5 points and 11.2 assists in 906 games and being part of five NBA championship teams.

A three-time NBA MVP, Johnson also won a national title with Michigan State in 1979 and led the United States to a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

Johnson’s post-playing days include time as an entrepreneur, broadcaster and motivational speaker. It is part of the ownership group for a number of professional sports franchises, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles FC of the MLS and the Washington Spirit of the NWSL.

As grand marshal, Johnson will not only lead the 5 1/2-mile Rose Parade, but he will participate in the pregame coin toss before the Rose Bowl.

This is the second year in a row that the Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses has come from the world of sports after tennis legend Billie Jean King was honored earlier this year.

Former Tournament of Roses grand marshals with a sporting background include Arnold Palmer (1965), Hank Aaron (1975), Merlin Olsen (1983), Pelé (1987), Chi-Chi Rodriguez (1995), Vin Scully (2014) and Greg Louganis, Janet Evans and Allyson Felix, all in 2017.

–Field level media