Phoenix is already building momentum ahead of NBA All-Star 2027, but this time the spotlight extends beyond the basketball court. On September 9-10, the city hosted the inaugural Sports & Arts Symposium and Gallery Exhibition, where athletes, artists and cultural figures came together to explore the creative connection between sports and art.
Key Highlights
- Phoenix hosted the inaugural Sports & Arts Symposium and Gallery Exhibition on September 9-10 ahead of NBA All-Star 2027.
- Jacob Trouba and William Wegman joined forces for the experimental “Cross Check” exhibition at the ASU Art Museum.
- NBA, NHL and creative figures discussed the creator economy, creative careers, art and sports culture.
- The “Cross Check” exhibition will remain on display through January 2027, extending the event’s sports-meets-art legacy in Phoenix.
Phoenix Hosts Sports and Arts Symposium
The event marked a significant step in highlighting how creative expression can take shape across different fields, with athletes, artists and cultural figures coming together in Phoenix.
Trouba and Wegman Team Up for ‘Cross Check’
A major highlight of the symposium was the “Cross Check” exhibition, created in partnership with the Arizona State University Art Museum. The project brought together NHL defenseman Jacob Trouba and renowned artist William Wegman for an unusual exploration of movement and artistic expression.
Known for his physical style on the ice, Trouba transformed his movements and hockey equipment into abstract body-print artworks. Wegman then reinterpreted the pieces through his own artistic perspective, creating a dialogue between competitive sport and contemporary art.
The collaboration demonstrated how two very different creative processes could come together to produce an unconventional artistic project.
Sports and Creative Voices Join the Conversation
The symposium also focused on discussion and idea-sharing, with prominent figures from sports, art and culture taking part.
NBA legend Elliot Perry, art collector Jessica Nowitzki and NBA Foundation Executive Director Ruth Jurgensen explored topics including the growing creator economy, pathways into creative careers and the relationship between art, culture and sport.
NHL Senior Executive Vice President Kim Davis, NBA legend and photographer CJ Miles, and author and professor Mitchell S. Jackson also contributed to the discussions, bringing different perspectives to the event. Trouba and Wegman shared further insight into the creative process behind their “Cross Check” collaboration.
‘Cross Check’ Exhibition Opens at ASU Art Museum
The event concluded with the opening reception for “Cross Check: Jacob Trouba and William Wegman” at the ASU Art Museum, giving guests an opportunity to experience the artwork created through the collaboration.
The exhibition will remain on display through January 2027, allowing the public to explore the intersection of sports and art beyond the symposium itself.
With the initiative, the NBA Foundation continues to highlight artistic expression while Phoenix prepares for the arrival of NBA All-Star 2027, bringing sports, creativity and culture together ahead of the major basketball event.
