Mariska Hargitay and Jalen Brunson have developed an unexpected friendship, with the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” star and New York Knicks point guard often showing their support for each other. Now, their friendship is crossing into the actress’ longtime television world. Hargitay recently confirmed that Brunson is “definitely” appearing in the procedural crime show, though fans will have to wait to see what role the athlete will play.
Mariska Hargitay and Jalen Brunson are close friends, and the actress supported the NBA star during the Knicks’ recent championship run. Now, Brunson is stepping out of the court and crossing over into the world of entertainment.
Since Brunson expressed his desire to appear in the long-running series, fans have been waiting to find out if it would ever happen.
At a recent event, Hargitay, who has starred as Olivia Benson in “Law & Order: SVU” since 1999 and also serves as an executive producer, confirmed to Variety that Brunson will indeed make a guest appearance.
Hargitay said the script isn’t quite ready yet, but it’s “in the works,” adding, “But it’s happening. It’s definitely happening.”
The Actress Says Jalen Is ‘Open And Ready’ For Any Role
After the Knicks won the NBA championship in June, breaking a 53-year drought, Brunson was asked what his next big plans were, to which he replied, “Try to get on ‘SVU’.”
Hargitay said Brunson didn’t say what type of role he wanted, but she believes the athlete could do anything.
“He’s kind of magnificent that way. He is just open and ready. I don’t think there’s much that Jalen can’t do,” the actress said. The reporter then asked if she wants to get Brunson an Emmy nod, and she jokingly said, “I don’t think he can handle any more awards, to be honest.”
Brunson received many accolades during the 2026 NBA season, including NBA Finals MVP, Eastern Conference Finals MVP, and three individual awards at the ESPYs: Best Athlete, Best NBA Player, and Best Championship Performance.
Jalen Brunson Was On Mariska Hargitay’s ‘SVU’ Bucket List
“SVU” has been on the air for almost 27 years, and many big names have appeared as guest stars, including Whoopi Goldberg, Bradley Cooper, Robin Williams, Jeremy Irons, and Cynthia Nixon, among others.
In a guest appearance on TODAY in May, Hargitay revealed that there were two people she had on her bucket list when it came to “Law & Order: SVU” guest stars, and they’re both close to her heart. “Two people, and they both start with ‘J.’ Jamie Lee Curtis and my Jalen Brunson,” she revealed.
A few months later, the actress went on the show again and coyly teased Brunson’s potential appearance, telling anchor Savannah Guthrie, “I’m hoping we might – don’t tell anyone, but – see him on ‘SVU’… But we’ve got some things in the works.”
Inside Mariska Hargitay And Jalen Brunson’s Friendship
Hargitay and Brunson’s friendship grew out of mutual admiration. The actress is a devoted New York Knicks fan and regularly attends games, while Brunson said he has watched “SVU” since he was a child.
In an episode of “The Roommates Show” podcast in May 2025, Brunson shared that “Law & Order: SVU” was a staple in his home. “The older I got, the more I watched. The more I see now, I’m like, ‘I’ve seen that episode,’ I’ve seen so many different episodes,” Brunson said, adding that it’s his “pregame show.”
The two formed an instant bond when the actress learned the athlete was a fan, and they have supported each other since. In June, Hargitay joined the athlete and his family on their float at the New York Knicks’ victory parade.
‘Law & Order: SVU’ Season 28 Is In Production
“Law & Order: SVU” is currently on its summer break, following the Season 27 finale in mid-May. Reports say production on Season 28 has begun. While Hargitay did not reveal when Brunson will make his guest appearance, it will most likely be during the upcoming season.
“Law & Order: SVU” Season 28 is scheduled to premiere on October 8.
