The Blast | Melanie VanDerveer

NBA Summer League is taking over Las Vegas, bringing together rising basketball talent, passionate fans, and a star-studded lineup of creators for an unforgettable kickoff. From the NBA Creator Cup to the next generation of players, The Blast takes you inside the action, energy, and excitement surrounding one of Vegas’ biggest summer sporting events. 

The 11-day event kicked off on Thursday afternoon with seven games ahead of the PlayStation NBA Creator Cup game. Jenna Bandy, one of the creators participating in the Creator Cup game, had some time to sit down with The Blast to chat about what it’s like being a basketball influencer, what fans can expect from tonight’s game, and more. 

Jenna Bandy Will Be Playing In The PlayStation NBA Creator Cup Game Thursday Evening

NBA

Jenna Bandy, a well-known content creator, athlete, and host, will be participating in the Creator Cup game once again. She’s been in more than 10 games and is gearing up for another fun game tonight.

“A little bit different preparation this time. I have just been playing a lot more five on five full court lately. And normally, I don’t prepare as much for this, but half-court basketball is way different than full court,” Bandy told The Blast exclusively. “So for me to get some of that rhythm and those reps in full court, it’s definitely going to help for today.”

Some fans may underestimate the level of competition the creators bring to the game, and Bandy wants to make it known that they are serious about competing while having some fun.

“I think fans now know that we’re out here competing and really hooping because it’s been around for some years now. But I think you know at first glance people are what is this?” she said. “You know like, they’re just creators. They’re just influencers. They can’t really hoop, so definitely there is that judgment.”

For someone who’s never attended a Creator Cup game, Bandy has a message.

“This is your chance to come see all these amazing creators in one space. Some creators aren’t even basketball influencers, but it makes it even cooler to see them outside of their niche,” she said. “And as a fan, the fan experience is incredible. There are a lot of opportunities for fans to get on the court to compete and meet the creators. We’re gonna sign balls, jerseys, we’re gonna be all up in the audience, so this is a one-stop shop where you can get photos, autographs, and cool content.”

Jenna Bandy Became A Creator To Help Motivate Others

Jenna Bandy

Bandy’s nonprofit, Game ChangeHER, is the reason she decided to commit to being an influencer.

“I was a coach. I saw the rest of my life as a girls’ varsity basketball coach. I was getting my teacher credential and was already coaching,” she said. “I was just flirting with being an influencer, just posting here and there.”

But then something clicked for her. In 2021 while playing on one of the most famous streetball courts in New York, The Cage, she said a little girl approached her and said she knew who she was from her videos, and that’s when everything changed.

“Game ChangeHER is where I get to put that true influence into the term influencer,” she said. “So Game ChangeHER has evolved over the years now and recently we launched our programming called Mind Labs, which goes into the mental side of a young female and the basis is just confidence building. And so they can be their own biggest cheerleader and biggest self-support system.”

You can learn more about Game ChangeHER on the website.

This Year’s NBA Summer League May Feel A Little Different

Evan Guerra

While the goal and the format are the same for this year’s Summer League as in previous years, there may be a bit of a different feel to the overall event. With the league exploring the option of bringing an NBA team to Sin City, this year’s Summer League might have a slightly different vibe.

Summer League co-founder Albert Hall recently spoke to the Las Vegas Review-Journal and shared his thoughts on this year’s event.

“I think the stakes are heightened right for everybody. Las Vegas has proven they can be a big major league city with the NHL and NFL and whatnot,” he told the outlet. “I think for us it’s a matter of really being that 31st franchise, as Adam [Silver, NBA Commissioner] alludes, to show what works, what doesn’t, whoever that new team may be. There is a lot of talk.” 

Will Adam Silver Give An Expansion Update During Summer League?

MEGA

It’s been reported that Silver will address the media on July 14. Many are hoping for an expansion update at that time.

“Doing it [Summer League] for 22 years here, we’ve got a great track record. However this thing plays out, we hope we’re a part of it in some form or fashion,” Hall told the Review-Journal. 

“It’s something that we need to have the locals support Summer League every way possible to show that it can support an NBA team. Quite honestly, Vegas is a basketball town. It really is.” 

Even The Welcome To Las Vegas Sign Is Getting In On The Summer League Action

The Blast | Melanie VanDerveer

NBA Summer League officially began on Thursday, July 9 and will continue through Sunday, July 19 with multiple games daily. 

On Wednesday, Clark County Commission Chairman Michael Naft hosted a ceremony at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign to kick off the 11-day basketball event. The landmark is now illuminated in red, white, and blue in honor of Summer League. 

“The NBA Summer League has proudly called Clark County home for more than two decades,” Naft said, according to KVVU. “This annual event has helped cement Las Vegas’ reputation as the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World, showcasing emerging talent and delivering meaningful economic benefits to our community. We’re honored to continue hosting this incredible event for years to come.” 

For more information, tickets, and the Summer League game schedule, visit the NBA’s website. And follow along with The Blast as we cover some of the games and events throughout the 11 days of Summer League.

The From Creators To Future Stars: NBA Summer League Kicks Off 11 Days Of Hoops Action In Vegas first appeared on The Blast