​NBA Summer League is taking over Las Vegas, assembling rising basketball talent, devoted fans, and a star-studded lineup of creators for an unforgettable kickoff. From the NBA Creator Cup to the next generation of players, The Blast takes you inside the action, energy, and excitement surrounding one of Vegas’ biggest summer sporting events. The 11-day event began Thursday afternoon with seven games leading up to the PlayStation NBA Creator Cup showdown. Jenna Bandy, a participating creator in the Creator Cup, sat down with The Blast to discuss what it’s like to be a basketball influencer, what fans can expect from tonight’s game, and more.
Jenna Bandy, a well-known content creator, athlete, and host, will be taking part in the Creator Cup game once again. She’s appeared in more than 10 games and is gearing up for another exciting contest tonight. “A little bit different preparation this time. I’ve been playing a lot more five-on-five full-court basketball lately. Normally I don’t prep as much for this, but half-court play is very different from full court, so to get that rhythm and those reps in full court, it’s going to help a lot for today,” Bandy told The Blast exclusively.
Some fans may underestimate the level of competition the creators bring to the court, and Bandy wants to emphasize that they are serious about competing while still having fun. “Fans now know we’re out here competing and really hooping because this has been around for several years now. But at first glance, people think, ‘What is this?’ They might assume we’re just creators or influencers who can’t hoop, but that’s far from the truth,” she said.
For someone who has never attended a Creator Cup game, Bandy has a clear message: “This is your chance to see all these amazing creators in one place. Some participants aren’t even basketball-focused influencers, which makes it even cooler to see them outside their niche. As a fan, the experience is incredible. There are many opportunities for fans to hit the court, compete, and meet the creators. We’ll sign balls and jerseys, mingle with the audience, and create great content on-site. It’s a one-stop shop for photos, autographs, and unique content.”
Bandy’s nonprofit, Game ChangeHER, is the reason she committed to being an influencer in the first place. “I started as a coach. I pictured my future as a girls’ varsity basketball coach and was in the process of earning my teaching credential while coaching,” she explained. “I was dabbling in influencer work, posting here and there, and gradually realized there was more I could do.” Then something clicked. In 2021, while playing on one of the most famous streetball courts in New York—The Cage—she had a moment that changed her path. A young girl’s approach for better search engine optimization sparked a realization about her potential impact and the power of her platform, especially in supporting girls’ basketball.
The weekend’s festivities promise high-level hoops, compelling content, and a vibrant fan experience, all underscored by the mission of elevating girls’ basketball and empowering aspiring athletes through Game ChangeHER. As Las Vegas lights blaze and the games unfold, fans will have the chance to witness a unique blend of sport, entertainment, and community impact, making this summer’s kickoff in Sin City a standout moment in the NBA Summer League narrative.