Former NBA All-Star Baron Davis is now part of the live competition on Dancing with the Stars season 34, signaling a bold pivot from professional basketball to televised ballroom dancing. The 6-ft-3 athlete is paired with pro dancer Britt Stewart, making his entrance into the ballroom highly visible and closely watched.
Background & Casting Details
Baron Davis announced his participation in Dancing with the Stars (season 34) — paired with Britt Stewart — when the full cast was revealed for the fall edition of the series. This marks his first foray into competitive dance television. The season premiered on September 16, 2025, airing live on ABC and simulcast on Disney+.
Davis brings an athletic presence and national name recognition, having been a two-time NBA All-Star, and his inclusion underscores the show’s ongoing trend of featuring sports figures alongside entertainers and social-media personalities.
Britt Stewart, his professional partner, is an accomplished dancer and assumes the coaching role for Davis throughout the routine preparation and live performances.
Premiere and Week 1 Performance
On the premiere night of the season, the duo of Baron Davis and Britt Stewart performed their first routine: a cha-cha set to MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This.” Davis injected elements of his sports background into the entrance and flourishes, which drew initial enthusiasm from both judges and viewers. They earned a score of 10 out of 20 (the judging scale was modified due to a judge’s absence that night), reflecting a mixed start but offering clear potential.
Observers noted that Davis demonstrated confidence and willingness to embrace the unfamiliar territory of ballroom performance, acknowledging his steep learning curve but showing strong athletic poise.
Week 2: One-Hit Wonders Night & Double Elimination
In Week 2, themed “One-Hit Wonders,” Baron Davis and Britt Stewart tackled a samba to Mark Morrison’s “Return of the Mack.” The performance carried more energy and structure than their debut; however, their score landed at 18 out of 30, reflecting continued growth but also room for refinement.
Tragically for the pair, that episode featured a double elimination, and Davis & Stewart’s journey ended early with their departure from the competition. Their exit placed them in 13th place overall.
Despite the short run, Davis’s bold transition generated buzz and brought additional attention to the season, setting the stage for further commentary on how athletes adjust to ballroom competition.
What This Participation Signifies
Baron Davis’s involvement in Dancing with the Stars offers several notable implications:
- Cross-field appeal: His move from professional sports to a prime-time dance competition highlights the increasing crossover between athletic celebrity and entertainment media. Davis’s participation helps draw in audiences who might not normally tune into reality dance shows, broadening the viewer base.
- Challenge of adaptation: Transitioning from elite sports performance to ballroom dancing underlines the versatility required of celebrity contestants. While Davis had athleticism, ballroom competition demands rhythm, precision, and performance nuance. His early exit underscores how even high-profile competitors can face steep learning curves.
- Visibility and branding: Even though Davis exited early, his appearance on the show raises his public profile in new domains. It positions him as more than a former basketball star—he becomes part of the broader entertainment landscape, which may open doors to future TV appearances, endorsements, or media roles.
Timeline of Key Moments
- September 3, 2025: Cast for Season 34 revealed; Baron Davis announced as competitor paired with Britt Stewart.
- September 16, 2025: Season premiere of Dancing with the Stars season 34 airs live; Davis debuts with cha-cha routine.
- Week 2 (September 23, 2025): “One-Hit Wonders” themed episode; Davis & Stewart perform samba; face double elimination; leave the competition.
Performance Recap Table
| Week | Theme | Dance Style | Music | Score | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premiere Night | Cha-cha | “U Can’t Touch This” | 10/20 | Safe |
| 2 | One-Hit Wonders | Samba | “Return of the Mack” | 18/30 | Eliminated (13th place) |
Reflections on Their Run
Though Baron Davis and Britt Stewart exited earlier than hoped, their short stint offered meaningful moments:
- Davis’s entrance into the ballroom revealed a performer willing to learn and push himself outside his comfort zone.
- Their routines showed flashes of athletic showmanship blended with dance fundamentals.
- The early elimination serves as a reminder that star power alone does not guarantee longevity in competitive dance formats; rhythm, fan engagement, and curves of improvement all matter.
What It Means for the Season
Davis’s early departure creates space for other pairs to rise and for viewers to follow the progression of contestants with more extended trajectories. His participation also contributes to the season’s narrative of high-profile athletes taking on the year’s ballroom challenge. In broader terms, his involvement helps drive ratings and social-media commentary, bolstering the season’s momentum during its early stages.
Looking Ahead
While Baron Davis’s time on the dance floor was brief, his participation leaves open possibilities. Whether he appears again in a future season, accepts a cameo role, or leverages the experience for further media opportunities remains to be seen. For the audience, his attempt will be remembered as a noteworthy example of an athlete stepping into a completely different performance arena.
His journey also serves as inspiration for others who consider making a career pivot: the skills may differ, the challenge may be new, but the will to engage and perform counts immensely.
Closing Invitation
Would you have liked to see Baron Davis stay longer in the competition? Share your thoughts on his performance and his move into entertainment below. Stay tuned for updates on Dancing with the Stars as the season advances and new surprises emerge.