The boy band rivalry we grew up on might be heading from the stage to the fairway — and this time, it’s not just talk.
*NSYNC’s Lance Bass has officially accepted the Backstreet Boys’ challenge for a made-for-TV golf showdown, and fans are already imagining the pop nostalgia mixed with some competitive trash talk.
From Pop Charts to Putting Greens
Earlier this week, Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell and Nick Carter told TMZ Sports they wanted to go head-to-head with *NSYNC on the golf course.
When we caught up with Lance in Los Angeles on Wednesday, his response was immediate:
“Of course. Bring it!”
Lance Keeps It Humble — and Hilarious
While Bass didn’t exactly hype up his own golf game, he leaned into the humor, joking:
“I’m incredible at golf,” he said sarcastically.
The 46-year-old even playfully threw shade at his *NSYNC brother Joey Fatone, facetiously naming him their “best” player — a clear nod that both might need some extra time at the driving range before the big day.
The Real Ringers
While Lance and Joey may bring the personality, the real heavy hitters could be:
- *NSYNC’s Justin Timberlake – known for his impressive golf skills and appearances in celebrity tournaments.
- Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell – who Littrell himself says can really play.
That pairing alone is enough to make this showdown more than just a nostalgia trip.
The Matchmaker Behind the Scenes
The hype is so real that Bryan Zuriff — the creator of the televised celebrity golf series The Match — told TMZ Sports last week he’s already making preliminary plans to bring the boy band battle to life.
With Zuriff’s production expertise, it’s easy to imagine the event pulling in massive ratings and streams, not just for the music nostalgia but for the sheer curiosity of seeing these chart-toppers in a completely different arena.
A Cause Worth Playing For
For Lance, this wouldn’t just be about bragging rights. He hinted at reviving *NSYNC’s old charity tradition, Challenge For The Children — a basketball game the group used to host to raise funds for various causes.
“We used to have Challenge For The Children… maybe we bring that back,” Lance said.
If that’s the case, the event could have an even bigger impact, combining pop culture fun with philanthropic purpose.
Fan Reaction: Pop Nostalgia Meets Sports Drama
The internet has wasted no time reacting:
- 90s kids are already calling it “the boy band Super Bowl of golf.”
- Music fans are debating which group’s hits should soundtrack the tournament.
- Sports fans are eager to see how serious Justin Timberlake and Brian Littrell will take the competition.
What’s Next?
While there’s no official date yet, with Zuriff’s interest and both groups seemingly game, the matchup feels more like a when than an if.
Until then, we’ll be waiting for the first tee-off — and maybe a little pre-game smack talk between “Bye Bye Bye” and “I Want It That Way.”
*Would you tune in to watch NSYNC vs. Backstreet Boys battle it out on the golf course? Sound off in the comments — and keep it locked on TPR for updates on this pop culture clash.
