Hoops & Hope: All American Games Name Stars for Arizona Debut

GLENDALE, AZ – February 02, 2026 – The future of basketball is heading to the desert. McDonald's USA today unveiled the highly anticipated final rosters for the 49th annual All American Games, naming the 24 top-ranked high school girls and 24 boys who will compete in the prestigious showcase. For the first time in its storied history, the event will take place in Glendale, Arizona, with the main games tipping off on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Desert Diamond Arena.

The announcement marks a pivotal moment for these 48 athletes, who were selected from a pool of over 700 nominees by a committee of expert analysts, scouts, and coaches. For these players, a spot on the roster is more than just an honor; it's a stepping stone to collegiate stardom and a potential professional career, placing them in the same elite company as legends who came before them.

The Next Wave of Elite Talent

This year's class is brimming with talent destined to make an impact at the next level. The Boys East and West rosters feature a collection of powerhouse players, including Tyran Stokes, a 6-foot-8 small forward from Washington's Rainier Beach High School. Currently ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class, the uncommitted Stokes represents the pinnacle of high school basketball talent. He is joined by other top recruits like Inglewood guard Jason Crowe Jr., who has already committed to the University of Missouri, and uncommitted St. John Bosco forward Christian Collins.

The girls' rosters are equally stacked with future NCAA and WNBA stars. Headlining the group is Sierra Canyon combo guard Jerzy Robinson, who has committed to the powerhouse University of South Carolina program. Another standout is point guard Maddyn Greenway from Providence Academy in Minnesota. Ranked No. 13 in her class by ESPN, Greenway recently surpassed an incredible 5,000 career points and has committed to the University of Kentucky. Her junior season statistics are staggering—averaging 32.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game while leading her team to an undefeated state championship. These athletes are not just the best in their states; they are the future faces of basketball.

A Storied Legacy Finds a New Desert Home

For nearly five decades, the McDonald's All American Games have served as a reliable predictor of basketball greatness. The alumni list reads like a who's who of the sport, including 33 players who went on to become No. 1 overall NBA draft picks. Recent examples include 2024 All American Cooper Flagg, who was the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

The decision to bring the Games to the Phoenix area for the first time connects the event's future with a region steeped in basketball history. The area has been a proving ground for numerous past All Americans who now have local ties, including Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker (Class of 2014), Deandre Ayton, Richard Jefferson, and Aaron Gordon. Booker's journey from a 2014 All American to an NBA Finals leader and Olympic gold medalist exemplifies the trajectory the current class hopes to follow. Similarly, WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Skylar Diggins-Smith (Class of 2009) showcases the immense impact the Games have had on the women's sport.

"Nearly five decades into the McDonald's All American Games, I continue to be amazed by the talent who raise the bar every year, and the fans who show up to support them," said Elizabeth Campbell, Vice President of Marketing, McDonald's USA. "We can't wait to welcome the Class of 2026 into this storied legacy and cheer them on as they write the next chapter of basketball history." The arrival of the Games is expected to generate significant local excitement and economic activity, drawing fans, media, and scouts to Glendale and further cementing the region's status as a basketball hub.

More Than a Game: A Partnership for a Purpose

Beyond the high-flying dunks and deep three-pointers, the McDonald's All American Games carry a profound charitable mission. Since its inception, the event has been a key supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which provides essential services and a "home-away-from-home" for families with children receiving medical care.

This commitment has a significant local impact. In Arizona alone, McDonald's, its owner/operators, and customers have helped raise more than $1.3 million for RMHC. These funds are critical for the charity's mission, enabling it to provide lodging, meals, and a supportive community for families during incredibly stressful times. In 2024, RMHC chapters in Arizona provided support to over 4,700 families, removing barriers and allowing parents to focus on their child's healing. The national showcase in Glendale will not only highlight the next generation of athletes but also shine a spotlight on this enduring legacy of community support and corporate philanthropy.

Catch Every Moment of the Action

Basketball fans will have multiple opportunities to see the nation's best high school players live and on national television. The festivities begin on Monday, March 30, with the Sprite® Jam Fest at Millennium High School. The fan-favorite event, featuring a 3-Point Contest, a high-flying dunk competition, and a skills challenge, will air at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Earlier that day, fans can get to know the players during Media Day, which will be streamed on ESPN+.

The main event takes place on Tuesday, March 31, at Desert Diamond Arena. The Girls Game will air live at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, followed by the Boys Game at 9 p.m. ET, also on ESPN. Tickets for the games are available now through Ticketmaster and the official event website, offering local fans and visitors a chance to witness basketball history as it is being made. As the countdown to March begins, all eyes will be on Glendale to see which of these 48 young stars will shine brightest on the national stage.