Who appears in the Best Buy Tech Event 2026 ad?

If you’ve caught a Best Buy commercial during a football game or a YouTube break lately, you’ve probably noticed something different. It’s not just a typical ad about gadgets; it’s a mini-show featuring a unique cast of characters. The new Best Buy "Imagine That" campaign for 2025-2026 is here, and it’s bringing together sports stars, digital influencers, and a groundbreaking new "spokeshologram" named Gram.

But who are all the faces in these new ads? From NFL legends to a virtual being, here’s your complete guide to the stars of Best Buy’s biggest tech event of the year.

Meet Gram: The World's First Spokeshologram

At the center of the "Imagine That" campaign is a revolutionary concept: Gram, the Spokeshologram. Gram isn't a CGI character or a cartoon; in the world of the ads, Gram is a fully interactive holographic host who pops up everywhere—from the NBC Sports studio to the golf course with Dude Perfect.

Gram’s role is to be the ultimate tech coordinator. He’s knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and has a knack for showing up just in time to explain why the latest gadget is a game-changer. The use of a hologram is a clever meta-statement: Best Buy isn’t just selling the technology of the future; they’re using it to do the selling.

You can see Gram in action in his primary role here:
👉 [Watch: Best Buy | NBC NFL: Special Tech Coordinator (with Maria Taylor & Chris Simms)] (

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(Note: If the direct link doesn't open, search for "Best Buy Special Tech Coordinator Gram" on YouTube.)

The Star-Studded Lineup: From the NFL to Digital Creators

The "Imagine That" campaign is built around a fascinating mix of talent. By combining sports broadcasters, NFL families, and digital superstars, Best Buy is casting a wide net to show that tech is for everyone, everywhere.

1. The Broadcast Pros: Maria Taylor & Chris Simms

Bringing credibility and a familiar face to sports fans, NBC's Maria Taylor and Chris Simms are central figures in the campaign. In a series of commercials, they are joined in the studio by Gram, who acts as their "Special Tech Coordinator."

The dynamic is perfect. Taylor and Simms handle the football analysis, while Gram chimes in with the tech insights, showing off everything from the latest Sony speakers to the must-have kitchen gadgets for game day. It seamlessly blends the excitement of the NFL season with the utility of modern tech.

Watch them introduce Gram and the latest products:
👉 [Watch: Best Buy | Spokeshologram: Headlines and Headliners] (

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2. The Best Buy Tech Team: Influencers and NFL Families

Best Buy has assembled a powerful "Tech Team" of influencers who understand the intersection of family, sports, and lifestyle. This group includes:

• Melanie Ekeler: Wife of NFL running back Austin Ekeler, Melanie is a lifestyle and fashion influencer who brings a focus on how tech fits into a stylish, active family life.

• Julie Ertz: A three-time Olympian and two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion, Julie (along with her NFL tight end husband, Zach Ertz) represents the pinnacle of athletic excellence and the tech that helps families stay connected and entertained.

• Kelly Stafford: Wife of NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford, Kelly is a popular podcast host and influencer known for her relatable take on parenting, marriage, and life in the spotlight.

In this commercial, you can see this team using the latest tech to gear up for game day, proving that whether you're on the field or hosting a watch party, having the right gadgets makes all the difference.
👉 [Watch: Best Buy Tech Team | Isaac Rochell & Influencers] (

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3. The Crossover Stars: Dude Perfect

To bridge the gap between sports and entertainment, Best Buy enlisted the help of the internet-famous trick shot crew, Dude Perfect. Known for their mind-blowing stunts and massive YouTube following, they are the perfect partners to showcase the fun side of tech.

In a special ad tied to TGL Season 2 (the tech-infused golf league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy), Dude Perfect is joined by Gram. They explore the latest tech for both the home and the golf simulator, blending Dude Perfect's signature humor with Best Buy's product expertise. It’s a natural partnership that highlights how technology is enhancing both entertainment and sports.
👉 [Watch: Best Buy | TGL Season 2 (Dude Perfect & Gram)] (

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Why the "Imagine That" Campaign Works

The 2025-2026 "Imagine That" campaign is a masterclass in modern marketing. Here’s why the combination of Gram and this diverse cast is so effective:

Broad Appeal: By featuring sports broadcasters (Taylor, Simms), athlete families (the Ekeler, Ertz, and Stafford households), and digital superstars (Dude Perfect), Best Buy speaks to multiple demographics simultaneously. Whether you're a die-hard football fan, a parent looking for family tech, or a young adult who loves YouTube, there's someone in this campaign for you.

Humanizing Tech: A hologram could feel cold or futuristic in an off-putting way, but Gram is designed to be warm, helpful, and even funny. Pairing him with relatable, human influencers shows that technology is a tool to enhance our lives and connections, not replace them. It makes the future feel friendly.

Contextual Relevance: Placing these ads within NFL programming and TGL content means the audience is already in a sports-and-entertainment mindset. The tech being sold—whether it's a new soundbar for the big game or a launch monitor for your golf simulator—feels like a natural extension of that passion. It's not an interruption; it's a solution.

Storytelling Over Selling: The campaign doesn't just list product specs. It creates mini-narratives. Gram interrupting the sports desk, Dude Perfect pulling off a trick shot with a new drone, the "Tech Team" getting ready for game day—these are stories that entertain first and sell second. This approach builds a positive emotional connection with the brand.

The Deeper Meaning: "Imagine That"

The campaign's tagline, "Imagine That," is a direct invitation to the viewer. It's a challenge to think about the role technology plays in your life. Can you imagine a TV so clear it feels like you're at the game? Can you imagine a robot vacuum that lets you spend more time with your family? Can you imagine a hologram helping you pick out a gift?

Best Buy is positioning itself as the enabler of these imaginings. They are the place where the future you dream up becomes a reality you can bring home. By using a diverse and engaging cast, they ensure that this message of imagination resonates with everyone.

Conclusion

So, the next time you see a Best Buy ad and wonder who that friendly hologram is or recognize a familiar face from the world of sports, you'll know the full story. The "Imagine That" campaign stars Gram, the Spokeshologram, alongside Maria Taylor, Chris Simms, Melanie Ekeler, Julie Ertz, Kelly Stafford, and Dude Perfect.

Together, they are here to show you that no matter who you are or what you're into, Best Buy has the technology to help you imagine a better, more connected, and more entertaining life. It’s more than just a commercial break; it’s a glimpse into a future where tech is for everyone.

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