The new season of Running Point dropped on Netflix on April 23, 2026, and viewers quickly noticed a quiet but powerful moment at the end of episode three. After the laughter and basketball drama, a title card appeared on screen that read “In Loving Memory of #6 Niko Mijailovic.” This wasn’t part of the show’s fictional story. It was a real tribute to a 15-year-old athlete from Los Angeles whose life ended too soon. The reason behind this dedication has touched many fans who want to know who Niko was and why the show chose to honor him.
Who Was Niko Mijailovic?
Niko Mijailovic was a freshman at Campbell Hall school in Los Angeles, a private school known for its sports programs. He was a dedicated member of the varsity boys volleyball team, wearing jersey number 6. Niko started at Campbell Hall in kindergarten and grew up within that school community.
In April 2025, Niko died from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) at just 15 years old. His family said there were no warning signs. He was active, healthy, and played sports his entire life. His older sister Mila, who plays volleyball at Yale, shared that the phone call telling her Niko did not wake up changed everything for their family.
Campbell Hall Athletics posted about Niko on Instagram, calling him a true light within their community. The school later retired his jersey to honor his memory.
The Personal Connection Between Niko and Running Point
The tribute did not happen by chance. Niko Mijailovic had a direct connection to Running Point. During his memorial service, his family shared that the last show they watched together as a family was Season 1 of Running Point. That Netflix series was part of their final moments together.
Friends of the Mijailovic family have ties to the show’s production team. When the producers learned about Niko’s story and how much the show meant to him and his family, they wanted to do something meaningful. They reached out to the family and received their blessing to include the tribute card in the new season.
Details of the Tribute Episode
The tribute appears at the end of Running Point Season 2, Episode 3. The card reads “In Loving Memory of #6 Niko Mijailovic.” The number six refers to his volleyball jersey number, a small but personal detail that connects directly to who Niko was as an athlete.
The episode continues the show’s main story. Kate Hudson returns as Isla Gordon, president of the Los Angeles Waves. Her brother Cam (Justin Theroux) is back from rehab, creating new problems for Isla as she tries to push the team forward. The tribute does not interrupt the episode’s flow. It appears during the end credits, giving viewers a moment to recognize the young athlete without taking away from the show’s entertainment value.
The Mijailovic Family’s Ongoing Mission
Since Niko’s death, his sister Mila has worked to raise awareness about Sudden Cardiac Arrest in young athletes. She partnered with Huddle For Hearts, a national group that educates families about SCA risks and prevention. Mila spoke about her brother in an Instagram video posted on April 8, 2026, sharing how healthy and active Niko was before his death.
City Sports, a Los Angeles sports community where Mila plays, dedicated their sports hall to Niko in June 2025. A plaque there calls him “City’s #1 Little Brother,” showing how much he meant to that community.
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Fan Reactions to the Tribute
Many viewers took to social media after watching the episode to express their feelings about the tribute. One fan wrote, “Was not expecting to see that at the end of Running Point episode 3. Beautiful tribute to that young man.” Another shared, “Knowing that Running Point was the last show Niko watched with his family makes me see the show differently now. Glad they honored him.”
“Niko was a true light within our community. He was known for his quiet confidence, kind heart, and deep love for his friends and family.” – Campbell Hall Athletics Instagram post
Where to Watch Running Point Season 2
Running Point Season 2 is now available for streaming on Netflix. Viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India can watch all episodes. The show was created by Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen, with Kate Hudson leading the cast alongside Justin Theroux, Brenda Song, and Drew Tarver.
The first season is also available on Netflix for those who want to catch up before watching the new episodes. The show follows the Gordon family’s ownership of a professional basketball team and the chaos that comes with running a family business in the public eye.
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