Tyrese Haliburton, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a top source, Pacers All-Star playmaker Tyrese Haliburton is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the basketball player's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 22/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Haliburton for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 26-year-old basketball player, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Haliburton so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the basketball player have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Oshkosh Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Oshkosh (Tyrese Haliburton's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the basketball player was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#HaliburtonPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 21 Mar 2026

“Congrats! Tyrese has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 21 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Tyrese Haliburton?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 21 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Tyrese Haliburton?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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