As confetti falls, Magic Johnson is announced as the grand marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena. The theme of this year’s parade is ‘The Magic in Teamwork.’
Courtesy photo
Wave Staff and Wire Reports
PASADENA — Laker legend, businessman and Dodger part-owner Earvin “Magic” Johnson has been named the 2026 Tournament of Roses grand marshal.
Although it was a secret until the Oct. 8 announcement at Tournament House in Pasadena, the selection was almost predicted by the theme of the 2026 Rose Parade — “The Magic in Teamwork.”
“I don’t think we’ve ever had a grand marshal in the Tournament of Roses history whose nickname has literally been in our tournament theme,” Tournament of Roses President Mark Leavens said in making the announcement.
Johnson displayed his trademark enthusiasm in accepting the honor.
“What a blessing it is to, first, be here today and to get such and incredible prestigious honor of being the grand marshal of the Rose Parade,” Johnson said. “I’m still in disbelief because as a kid growing up in Lansing, Michigan, on New Year’s Day this was the thrill of a lifetime just to wake up to see who was the grand marshal and watch the parade.
“And I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would one day become the grand marshal. So I’m just blessed. I know what it means. I know that you had many great choices of other people, so I don’t take this lightly.
“I love this city and this is just another thing that the city has given back to me,” he said.
Johnson said being named the grand marshal will also make him look better in the eyes of his children and grandchildren.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I’m going to be waving like crazy to all the great fans but also … I can now tell my kids and my grandkids now that their father and grandfather is the grand marshal of the Rose Parade.
“I think I’ll be kind of cool in their eyes. They didn’t watch me play basketball, but they’ll be able to see me in that car.”
He also noted that the announcement came on a day that the Dodgers had a chance to win the National League Division Series and advance in the playoffs.
“If I could just get a win tonight with my Dodgers, aw man, this will be the most awesome day that I can ever think of,” he said.
Johnson’s influence has extended far beyond the basketball court. A five-time NBA champion, three-time MVP, and an Olympic gold medalist, he is celebrated not only as one of the greatest players in basketball history but also as a dynamic force in business and philanthropy. As chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, he has transformed communities through investments, partnerships and opportunities that uplift and inspire.
Still a commanding presence in the sports world, he co-owns the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball, Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA, Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club, Washington Commanders of the NFL, eSports franchise Team Liquid and most recently joined the ownership group for the National Women’s Soccer League’s Washington Spirit in September 2024.
Johnson also helped launch LA Rises, a private-sector recovery initiative that is directing significant resources toward rebuilding efforts in Southern California communities, hardest hit by wildfires, including Altadena. Johnson has also visited the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena to support children and families affected by the Eaton Fire.
In January, Johnson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from President Joe Biden for his exemplary contributions and impact in business, sports and philanthropy across the world.
