After weeks of speculation and some serious blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments, the mystery behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s brief Super Bowl cameo has finally been solved. Levi’s has officially dropped the full version of its 2026 Super Bowl ad, and yes - that was indeed the Oklahoma City Thunder star making a stylish appearance, even if most fans didn’t catch it the first time around.
The commercial leans heavily into Levi’s long-standing identity as a brand rooted in culture and self-expression. Set to James Brown’s iconic “Get Up Offa That Thing,” the spot is all about movement, rhythm, and - quite literally - showing off the jeans.
The twist? The camera keeps its focus on the backsides of its subjects, turning familiar faces into silhouettes.
Alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, the ad features a lineup that includes music artists Doechii and ROSÉ, the legendary Questlove, and even an animated cameo from Woody of Toy Story fame. It’s a blend of pop culture, fashion, and fun - and it took Levi’s six days to shoot across Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, and London.
“This global campaign celebrates our place at the center of music, sports, and fashion culture,” said Levi Strauss & Co. CMO Kenny Mitchell.
And in many ways, Gilgeous-Alexander’s inclusion fits that mission perfectly. He’s not just one of the NBA’s brightest young stars - he’s also become a fashion icon in his own right, regularly turning heads with his pregame fits and off-court style.
But his appearance in the ad also came at a bittersweet moment. Gilgeous-Alexander is currently sidelined with an abdominal strain, a frustrating development for both him and the Thunder as he misses valuable time during a standout season. That same injury has also ruled him out of the upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend - a tough blow, especially considering the kind of year he’s been having.
In his absence, the league has named Alperen Şengün as his replacement for Team World. The Houston Rockets center is having a breakout year, averaging 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists - numbers that speak to his growing impact on both ends of the floor.
This marks Şengün’s second straight All-Star selection, and while he wasn’t among the top vote-getters in the fan, player, or media ballots, the new USA vs. World format made him a logical fit.
Team World needed another international player, and Şengün’s versatility and production made him the clear choice - even with other deserving names in the mix.
His rise hasn’t gone unnoticed. Rockets teammate Kevin Durant publicly congratulated Şengün on the selection, a nod of respect from one of the game’s greats and a sign of how far the Turkish big man has come in such a short time.
As for Gilgeous-Alexander, missing the All-Star festivities definitely stings - especially for a player who’s been operating at an MVP-caliber level when healthy. But one Super Bowl commercial and a whole lot of love from fans later, it’s clear his presence is still being felt. When he returns to the court, expect him to pick up right where he left off: leading the Thunder and continuing to make his case as one of the league’s elite.