On April 17, 2026, reports confirmed that K-pop star Chanyeol of the group EXO would make his debut as a basketball player in the second live game of SBS’s variety reveal “Rising Eagles 2”. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Hwaseong Sports Town in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. This marks Chanyeol’s first official appearance on the court as part of the show’s second season, which continues to blend athletic competition with entertainment performances.
According to SBS Entertainment News, Chanyeol joins a roster that includes broadcaster Julien Kang, comedian Jo Jin-se, and Jinhyuk of the group NOWZ. The team, known as the Rising Eagles, is led by Head Coach Seo Jang-hoon and Coach Jeon Tae-pung. Their opponent in the second game is Setup, a top-tier amateur squad from the Seoul metropolitan area. The match is part of a league structure designed to crown South Korea’s best amateur basketball team, with the National Championship serving as a domestic league under the show’s framework.
The production team emphasized that the second game will feature heightened athletic competition and enhanced entertainment elements. LIGHTSUM is set to perform the opening stage, continuing their role from the April 11 opener, while H1-KEY will take the halftime stage to maintain audience engagement. Approximately 3,000 fans attended the first game, signaling strong early interest in the series. Tickets for the April 18 game are available through YES24, with the program slated for broadcast on SBS and OTT platforms later in 2026.
“Rising Eagles 2” builds on the foundation of its first season, which included a notable exhibition game against a team from the Philippines. The second season expands the show’s reach by introducing a domestic amateur league format, allowing for sustained competition beyond one-off exhibitions. The inclusion of celebrity athletes like Chanyeol aims to draw broader public interest in both the sport and the personal development of participants under rigorous coaching.
Chanyeol’s participation has drawn attention due to his prominence in the global K-pop industry as a member of EXO, one of the best-selling artists in South Korean history. While primarily known for his music career, his involvement in “Rising Eagles 2” represents a visible step into athletic entertainment, following a trend of idol athletes participating in sports-based variety programming. The show’s format allows viewers to observe his training progression and in-game performance over the course of the season.
The second game’s outcome will contribute to the Rising Eagles’ standing in the National Championship standings. As part of the league structure, wins and losses accumulate toward playoff qualification, with the ultimate goal of reaching the championship final. Coaches Seo Jang-hoon and Jeon Tae-pung have emphasized player development and team cohesion as central goals, balancing competitive intent with the show’s entertainment mandate.
Media coverage has highlighted the logistical and production scale of the event, including coordinated lighting, audio, and camera setups designed to capture both gameplay and performance segments. The utilize of Hwaseong Sports Town—a facility equipped for official basketball matches—underscores the show’s commitment to authentic athletic presentation. No official statements have been released regarding Chanyeol’s prior basketball experience or training regimen for the show.
As of April 17, 2026, no injuries or last-minute roster changes have been reported ahead of the April 18 game. The production team has encouraged fans to arrive early due to expected attendance, noting that venue capacity and access procedures are being managed in coordination with local authorities. Post-game content, including player interviews and highlight reels, is expected to be made available through SBS’s official digital platforms following the broadcast.
The next confirmed checkpoint for “Rising Eagles 2” is the airing of the second episode on SBS and OTT platforms, scheduled for the second half of 2026. No exact release date has been announced as of mid-April 2026.
For updates on the Rising Eagles’ schedule, player statistics, and official announcements, viewers are encouraged to visit SBS’s official website or follow the show’s verified social media channels. Fans interested in attending future games can monitor ticket availability through authorized vendors like YES24.