Cardi B Set to Headline NBA Finals Halftime Show at Madison Square Garden

Cardi B is set to headline the halftime show at Monday’s NBA Finals game, taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The 33-year-old star, who hails from New York City, is scheduled to perform during the break of Game 3, which features a showdown between the home team, the New York Knicks, and the San Antonio Spurs.

Fans got a sneak peek of the excitement when Cardi B’s performance was announced on the jumbotron at the iconic venue, as shared by ticket retailer TickPick on X.

According to Billboard, media and team staff were spotted preparing for the event, fine-tuning graphics and lighting to ensure a spectacular halftime show.

Cardi B hinted at her arrival for the big night via an Instagram Stories update on Monday evening.

She shared, “Came right on time for Gotham City,” alongside a clip of her arriving in a sleek black Ferrari at a secured location.

The game on Monday – which is slated to have President Donald Trump in attendance – will mark the first NBA Finals contest at the famed venue in 26 years, since the Knicks fell 3-1 to the Spurs, then led by NBA legend Tim Duncan.

This year’s Knicks team has already ensured a better result, with a 2-0 series lead over their rivals from the Lone Star State.

The Grammy-winning musical artist has been seen sitting courtside at Knicks games in the past, emerging in May of 2025 with her then-beau Stefon Diggs at a playoff game against the Boston Celtics. 

Other notable musical artists who have performed in the halftime shows at the famed venue include Jadakiss, Fat Joe and Fabolous.

It’s been a busy year on the road for Cardi B as she’s been on her Little Miss Drama musical tour of North America the past four months.

The trek, which comes following the release of her album Am I the Drama?, has grossed more than $70 million, according to Billboard Box Score. 

An insider confirmed to USA Today on Monday that the singer was going to be the halftime performer at Monday’s contest. It was not immediately clear which songs she would include in her set.

The slated appearance comes as Knicks fever has set the stage for Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs to be a must-see event – inside Madison Square Garden and on the streets and in bars across New York City.

More than three hours before the scheduled 8:42 p.m. tipoff, fans in blue and orange were chanting ‘Let’s go Knicks!’ and ‘Knicks in four!’ outside the arena. Some were already in line to get in.

The WAP artist pictured in Atlanta this past May 

The Knicks are two victories away from their first championship since ’73, and the hoopla for Game 3 includes the anticipated appearances of President Donald Trump and Mayor Zohran Mamdani. 

Trump’s presence led to the cancellation of a planned watch party outside the arena, where fans have gathered throughout this run that has included a 13-game winning streak.

‘Hope has been brought back to the city,’ center Karl-Anthony Towns said. Teammate Josh Hart said ‘it’s going to be rocking’ but lamented the high cost just to get into the Garden.

‘I kind of wish the ticket prices weren’t as crazy as they are,’ Hart said. ‘I feel like a lot of people who have been waiting for this moment for a very long time unfortunately aren’t able to get into the building.’

No NBA team has gone up 2-0 in the finals on the road and not won the series.

‘They win this game, it’s kind of over, so this is the game to be at,’ Weldon said.

The possibility of a sweep drove ticket prices up to over $10,000 apiece over the weekend, and the price is about the same for an if-necessary Game 6.

Fewer than 20,000 people will get the opportunity to attend each night. Alvarado knows far more will be watching on television all over.

‘The people that can’t afford it, we improvise,’ he said. ‘We’re New Yorkers. We’re going to find a way to watch a game, and that’s what we’re doing.’