Jalen Brunson’s Key to New York City Can’t Get Him Into the ‘SNL’ Studio in New Promo
The Knicks star brings his Key to the City to open the door to Studio 8H in new promo for the season premiere.
Billboard reported that a promotional video was released on Sept. 23, 2026, to mark the upcoming Season 52 premiere of Saturday Night Live. The clip centers on New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson attempting to gain access to Studio 8H by using his ceremonial Key to the City.
The key, which Brunson received following the Knicks’ 2026 NBA championship, proves ineffective when he tries it on the studio door. According to Billboard, the title was the franchise’s first in 53 years. Brunson was named the 2026 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player after averaging 32.6 points per game during the championship series.
In the promotional sketch, Brunson’s attempts to enter the studio escalate beyond simply trying the key. He is joined by Saturday Night Live cast member Ben Marshall as the pair experiment with increasingly forceful methods to get through the door. Their efforts include the use of a mallet and a chainsaw, building the comedy around the idea that one of New York City’s highest ceremonial honors still cannot unlock NBC’s famed performance space.
Billboard reported that Brunson is scheduled to host the Sept. 26 episode, which will serve as the Season 52 premiere. The program will also feature musical guest KATSEYE. The appearance marks Brunson’s first time hosting the long-running sketch comedy series.
The booking places Brunson among a relatively small group of professional basketball players who have taken on hosting duties at Saturday Night Live. Billboard noted that previous NBA players to host the program include Bill Russell, LeBron James, Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan.
Brunson’s hosting role follows a championship season that connected the Knicks captain even more closely with New York City. The promo uses that relationship as its central joke, contrasting the symbolic power of the citywide honor with the practical challenge of opening one very specific door.
Saturday Night Live’s Season 52 premiere is set for Sept. 26, with Brunson leading the episode and KATSEYE appearing as the musical guest.