The Tournament of Roses Wednesday, Oct. 8, announced Los Angeles Lakers Hall of Famer, businessman and social activist Earvin “Magic” Johnson as its grand marshal for the 137th Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2026.
This year’s theme, “The Magic in Teamwork,” was selected by Tournament President Mark Leavens who said while it was selected before the January wildfires the theme highlights what a community can do when it works together.
Johnson, arguably the most prolific basketball player of his generation, was all about teamwork. He is regarded as basketball’s greatest point guard of all time, tapping his incredible vison, court savvy and leadership skills.
“Our grand marshal has been involved in teamwork on the very highest level,” said Leavens.
Johnson, 64, thrived on passing the ball, and putting his teammates in the best position to score.
He did it with charisma, panache and focus that throughout his NBA playing career in the 1980s always kept the Lakers in games, and ultimately winning championships — five to be exact.
His resume includes three NBA Most Valuable Player awards, three NBA Finals MVP honors, nine All-NBA First Team selections and 12 All-Star Game designations. He also led the way to an NCAA title in 1979 for Michigan State University, located in his hometown of Lansing. It was at Lansing Everett High School where he earned the nickname “Magic.”
Johnson was the co-captain of the “The Dream Team, the 1992 men’s Olympic basketball team that captured the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona.
After leaving the NBA in 1991, he created the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team that traveled around the world playing exhibition games.
Since retirement, Johnson has assembled a series of successes as a businessman, community advocate and social activist.
When he announced his HIV diagnosis in 1991, and his ultimate retirement, it shook the NBA and the world. But it was the beginning of a new chapter for the legendary player, who became a leading advocate for the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
He remains a passionate advocate for health education and recently led a discussion about the risks of RSV, a contagious virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages that causes an estimated 14,000 deaths annually in adults 65 and over.
“I’ve always talked about, whether it was HIV, AIDS and now RSV, it’s really important that I come to the people,” he said of the “ Sideline RSV ” campaign from GSK, formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline. “It’s one thing to do a commercial, it’s another thing to be live and in person and shake people’s hands and really tell them: ‘Look, get your physicals. If you’re feeling something, go to the doctor,’ because a lot of times what happens, we don’t go when we first feel something, right, and RSV, you can be a healthy person and don’t even know you have it.”
But he didn’t stop there. In an L.A. where he was already considered a sports hero, he would venture into business and philanthropy, broadcasting, also paving the way for his own financial stake in the Lakers.
When that venture ended, he would continue with financial interests in professional sports teams, including the L.A. Dodgers — at the same time bringing a winning attitude that conjured up memories of his years on the court.
A part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball, Johnson’s love for his Los Angeles Lakers has kept him from considering ownership of any other NBA team.
The basketball Hall of Famer said he has repeatedly has passed on opportunities for ownership in the sport he knows best.
Johnson named the Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks as teams he turned down, rather than find himself in competition with the Lakers.
Johnson, who was in charge when the Lakers signed LeBron James, believes they can play for a second NBA title in five years.
“I think they’re going to be the best team in the West this year,” Johnson said recently.
Johnson is also co-owner of other sports teams, including the Sparks of the WNBA, LAFC of Major League Soccer and the Washington Commanders of the NFL.
Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Joe Biden in January.
Leavens made Wednesday’s announcement at 11:20 a.m. on the front steps of the Tournament House. Since 1890, the grand marshal has served as the ceremonial lead of the parade. On New Year’s Day, Johnson will ride in the parade and participate in the pre-game celebration at the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the 112th Rose Bowl game.
One logistical quirk of this New Year’s Day is the game being moved up an hour to 1 p.m. meaning a truncated window for the grand marshal, Rose Court and other tournament officials to get from the end of the parade route to the stadium for pre-game festivities.
Wednesday’s announcement marks one of several on the road to parade day. Last week, the tournament announced the 2026 Rose Court and later this month the Rose Queen will be revealed.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
The Associated Press contributed to this report