The Military Basketball Association’s All-Star Game descended on Philadelphia, bringing together the nation’s top service-member athletes for a showcase of skill and camaraderie.
Founded in 2017 by MBA Commissioner Mike Meyers, the league now engages nearly 1,000 active-duty and veteran players across the United States, Europe and Asia, offering year-round competition under the banner “Life Through Basketball.”
The game was paired with a VA resource fair, giving attendees access to benefits counseling, health services and employment assistance as part of the organization’s commitment to supporting the broader military community.
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Among the crowd were former Philadelphia Phillies star Tommy Greene and ex-Eagles players Freddie Mitchell and Irving Fryar, who praised the military’s role in their own lives and highlighted the fair’s impact on veterans.
The excitement peaked when it was announced that LeBron James would join the Philadelphia 76ers, signing a two-year, $8 million contract that sent shockwaves through the basketball world.
Eric Smith, a U.S. Air Force senior airman from Philadelphia who traveled from Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, expressed how the signing would inspire his teammates and fellow service members, calling it a “game-changer” for the city’s sports culture.
Smith, who discovered data analytics during his Air Force service, said he plans to continue playing as long as his body permits while remaining committed to his military career, a testament to the league’s message that life on and off the court can coexist.
The event also coincided with Philadelphia’s massive Independence Day celebration marking the nation’s 250th birthday, blending patriotic fervor with the spirit of service.
While the MBA remains a nonprofit focused on community outreach, its growing visibility underscores the increasing intersection of professional sports, military appreciation and veteran support.