Magic Johnson shared heartfelt message for Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee and his fellow NBA legends Charles Barkley and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The NCAA March Madness commercial breaks have been fun, especially with Magic Johnson , Charles Barkley , Samuel L. Jackson , Spike Lee , and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar . The Hollywood actor-director duo and the basketball legends have delivered a full-blown spectacle, complete with blimps, cowboy hats, and one unforgettable genie. Recently, Johnson took to his social media to share a heartfelt message for his friends in the ads in a heartfelt post.

Magic Johnson sends a message for his friends featured in Capital One commercial with him

Magic Johnson captured the spirit of the weekend with heartfelt gratitude and behind-the-scenes excitement, “Another successful Final Four in San Antonio, TX with my incredible partners at Capital One! I had so much fun shooting this year’s commercials with my friends Samuel L. Jackson, Charles Barkley, Spike Lee and my forever captain and Showtime Laker teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It was so cool seeing the Magic Blimp flying over San Antonio and the mini blimp in the Alamodome. Thank you to the entire Capital One Team for having me this weekend!"

Another successful Final Four in San Antonio, TX with my incredible partners at Capital One! I had so much fun shooting this year’s commercials with my friends Samuel L. Jackson, Charles Barkley, Spike Lee and my forever captain and Showtime Laker teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It… pic.twitter.com/9oWw9dZxHV

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 6, 2025

This year’s Capital One campaign raised the bar with what can only be described as a March Madness cinematic universe. Themed “Battle of the Blimps,” the campaign launched actual blimps featuring the likenesses of Johnson and Barkley floating over San Antonio, hyping up fans with a tongue-in-cheek challenge: “Find out who is the baddest blimp of all… and who is just full of hot air.”

It was the kind of ad campaign that hooked fans during the men’s and women’s tournaments. From over-the-top skits to heartwarming nostalgia, they were funny, oddly comforting, and undeniably memorable. Whether it was Barkley in his hilariously named "Chuxedo," Jackson channeling pure joy with every line, or Spike Lee just trying to hold it together, these commercials felt like comfort food.

And then came the genie moment. Magic Johnson, the NBA legend and business mogul, turned into a literal wish-granting genie on screen.


These commercials have gained wide attention even online. Fans have showered praised for the funny and well-cfafted commercials featuring the Hollywood and the NBA legends.

As for the March Madness women’s tournament, The UConn Huskies clamied another national title in dominant fashion. On Sunday, they rolled past top-seeded South Carolina with an 82-58 victory. It was head coach Geno Auriemma’s 12th NCAA women’s basketball championship.

Also Read: Paige Bueckers earns high praise from Barack Obama and Gordon Ramsay after NCAA championship

Men's March Madness final will feature a high octane showdown between Florida Gators and Houston Cougars on Monday, April 7 at 8:50 p.m. ET.