On Monday, February 2, 2026, the Miami sports calendar reached one of its most meaningful moments as the 16th Annual Miami HEAT Gala unfolded at Kaseya Center. Hosted by Micky and Madeleine Arison alongside Pat and Chris Riley, the evening blended legacy, luxury, and purpose in support of the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund. Presented by Amerant Bank and supported by Uber, the event honored the 20th anniversary of the franchise’s first NBA Championship and the original White Hot run that helped define a generation of HEAT basketball.

The gala brought together members of the 2006 championship roster and the current 2025–26 team for an intimate evening that felt equal parts celebration and reflection. With the court transformed for the occasion, guests moved seamlessly between an elevated Smith & Wollensky dinner, cocktails, and a silent auction filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

We were on the white carpet throughout the evening speaking with both current players and members of the 2006 championship team. Watch our exclusive interviews below:

Established in 1997, the Miami HEAT Charitable Fund continues to play a central role in supporting at-risk families across South Florida through youth programs, education, and health and wellness initiatives. Since the gala’s inception in 2006, more than $30 million has been raised, with over $1.2 million generated this year alone. Beneficiaries include Jackson Memorial Foundation Angels benefiting Holtz Children’s Hospital, SafeSpace, Dedication to Community, and HomeStrong.

This year’s gala felt especially significant, serving as both a fundraising effort and a reminder of how deeply the organization’s community work is woven into the fabric of the franchise.

The evening also doubled as one of Miami’s most stylish red carpets, where sports and fashion met with confidence and individuality. Bam Adebayo arrived in Bottega Veneta alongside A'ja Wilson in Emilio Pucci. Jaime Jaquez Jr. opted for Giorgio Armani, while Dominique Ruotolo wore Versace.

Tyler Herro stepped out in Louis Vuitton with Katya Elise Henry, Shaquille O'Neal wore pieces from his Big & Tall Shaq Collection, and Dwyane Wade appeared in Tony Wack. The looks reflected the evolution of athlete style, highlighting tailoring, personal expression, and luxury labels.

As the night progressed, guests were treated to a live performance by The Jacksons, bringing a sense of nostalgia and energy that matched the anniversary spirit. The silent auction featured rare offerings, including a chance to appear in the Miami HEAT intro video and a Player for the Day experience, reinforcing the event’s focus on access and connection rather than spectacle alone.

The guest list read like a living timeline of HEAT history, with appearances by Udonis Haslem, Alonzo Mourning, Gary Payton, Antoine Walker, Jason Kapono, Wayne Simien, and Dorell Wright, alongside current roster members including Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic, Davion Mitchell, Kel'el Ware, and Simone Fontecchio.

The anniversary celebration extended beyond the gala. On February 3, the 2006 NBA Champions Night, presented by American Airlines, took place during the Hawks vs. HEAT game at Kaseya Center. Fans were treated to video tributes, special appearances, and a postgame performance featuring Dwyane Wade and DJ Irie, reinforcing the connection between the team’s history and its present-day community.

At its core, the Miami HEAT Gala remains about more than basketball. It is a reflection of Miami’s ability to merge culture, style, philanthropy, and sport into a single evening that feels intentional and deeply local. Two decades after that first championship run, the legacy continues to grow, not just in banners and memories, but in measurable impact across South Florida.