The unexpected crossover between sports and theater has taken over TikTok, with sports fans and “Hamilton” enthusiasts coming together to create and consume a unique new genre of content. On TikTok, creators have been pairing NBA players, teams and highlights with the musical numbers from the hit Broadway musical, blending the intensity and drama of basketball with the powerful lyrics of “Hamilton.” These edits have found a way to blend two worlds that do not typically interact. The appeal lies in the ability of these edits to capture the drama and emotion of both worlds, creating a harmonious viewing experience that resonates with fans of either or both.

Whether it’s a player’s game-winning shot accompanied by “My Shot” or an older-younger player duo synced to “History Has Its Eyes on You,” the juxtaposition creates a mesmerizing and entertaining result. As a sports and theater fan, the NBA and “Hamilton” edits have taken over my For You Page; I have saved or reposted more than 30 different edits. It is intriguing to see how editors connect two vastly different worlds.

My favorite, with around 325,000 views, features Kevin Durant and Shai Gilgeous- Alexander with the song “History Has Its Eyes on You.” In Act I of “Hamilton,” George Washington sings a reflective piece to Alexander Hamilton. In the context of the musical, Washington is warning Hamilton about the weight of his actions and decisions, reminding him that people will judge them both. The song speaks to one’s legacy and the individual accomplishments and mistakes that future generations will examine. Durant is a player who has cemented his place in NBA history. Still, he has faced criticism, especially surrounding his decision to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016, leaving behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team that had drafted him nine years prior. The song speaks to the dual nature of greatness Durant has faced: the personal responsibility of being a professional athlete and knowing that history will remember you for all your decisions. On the other hand, Gilgeous-Alexander, a current star for the Thunder, is still in the early stages of his career, but has been a player with a ton of potential and is currently in the running for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. The edit places Durant in Washington’s shoes and Gilgeous-Alexander in Hamilton’s shoes.

The editor claims that Gilgeous-Alexander should not make the same “mistakes” that Durant did when choosing a more significant contract in Golden State over a commitment to the team he had been with for years. While Durant is an established star, Gilgeous-Alexander is a player with a long future ahead of him. The song’s theme, that history is always watching, speaks to their impact on the game and how it will be analyzed for years to come.

Another popular edit song is “Non-Stop,” sung by Aaron Burr as the final song in Act I of “Hamilton.” Different sections of the song have been used for various players. With over 260,000 likes, one edit highlights the shooting ability of Lebron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, who played together with the Cleveland Cavaliers for three seasons from 2014-2017. A second focuses on the song’s start and features the greatness of Stephen Curry’s three-pointers.

The edits are about telling a story of each player as a character that viewers identify with. The edit might focus on specific qualities of the player, such as their moments of triumph and failure or their work ethic, and pair that with a “Hamilton” song that matches those themes.

As the popularity of these edits continues to grow, it reflects a broader cultural shift that TikTok has welcomed, one where audiences enjoy content that blends genres and, ultimately, sparks joy and excitement. The NBA x “Hamilton” crossover represents a creative way for sports fans to engage with theater and vice versa, broadening their perspectives. It also speaks to how TikTok has transformed fan engagement, allowing younger users to participate in storytelling beyond typical sports or theater commentary. Fans are actively shaping the narratives by connecting the themes of “Hamilton” and the careers of NBA players.

One of the reasons these edits work so well is the dramatic nature of both basketball and theater. Basketball, like theater, thrives on conflict, struggles and accomplishments. Every game is a performance, like every show is a performance, with players stepping on the court like actors stepping on stage. Musicals like “Hamilton” heighten real-life stories through lyrics and emotions. When the fast-paced drama of the NBA is combined with “Hamilton”’s storytelling, they create a unique product that resonates with broader audiences.

As the trend continues to gain traction, it wouldn’t be surprising to see even more crossovers between Broadway and sports. Could we see an edit of Tom Brady to “My Shot,” capturing Brady’s rise from an overlooked sixth-round pick to arguably the greatest quarterback of all time? Or an edit of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto to “For Good” from “Wicked?” The possibilities are endless. Whether you’re a basketball fan, a theater lover or somewhat of both, there is something enchanting about watching these two worlds collide.