Angel is ready to make her mark on Main Street, U.S.A.
The fan-favorite character from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch: The Series will make her Dunk the Halls debut when the real-time, animated NBA presentation returns on Christmas Day. This year’s game will feature the San Antonio Spurs visiting the New York Knicks in a rematch of the 2026 NBA Finals.
For ESPN’s Creative Studio team, Angel presented a natural opportunity to build upon the energy Stitch brought to last year’s presentation.
“We were looking for a new character that would complement the energy and fun Stitch brought last year and found Angel, who is becoming a breakout star in her own right,” said David “Sparky” Sparrgrove (ESPN Sr. Director, Creative Animation). “She has an established connection to Stitch, and their relationship gives audiences an immediate reason to engage with her.”
Angel’s distinctive appearance also offered the creative team new visual possibilities.
“Her pink coloring and animated antennae set her apart from the other characters, helping elevate every scene she is in,” Sparrgrove said.
The centerpiece of Angel’s debut will be “Angel’s Halftime Video Dance Party,” featuring Disney characters and dancing gingerbread people gathered around a large video screen in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.
The concept emerged after the team learned about Angel’s new song and accompanying music video.
“In the spirit of all great musical halftime shows, we know ‘Angel’s Halftime Video Dance Party’will be a big hit,” said Michael “Spike” Szykowny (ESPN VP of Edit, Animation and Graphics Innovation). “It fits the fun and adventure of Christmas. We can’t wait to bring it to the world.”
Angel will also join Stitch, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy in the game itself. Other new elements include Hidden Mickeys, visual gags, Christmas greetings from NBA stars and “Main Street Memories” revisiting moments from the first two presentations.
“We are most excited for our fans to experience the game itself,” Szykowny and Sparrgrove said. “Disney stars, NBA stars and a bunch of fun surprises. It is our Christmas gift to the fans.”
Dunk the Halls airs Christmas Day at noon ET on ESPN2, Disney+, Disney Channel and the ESPN App.