BREAKING: The NBA has just confirmed a revolutionary format for the 2026 All-Star Game, set to take place on February 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. This year, the event will feature a round-robin tournament format with two USA teams and one World team, sources revealed to ESPN.
Sources indicate that the new format consists of three teams of eight players each, competing in 12-minute quarters in a style reminiscent of the Ryder Cup. The NBA’s competition committee met earlier today to discuss and approve this exciting change, with positive feedback from governors, team executives, and players alike.
The 2026 All-Star Game will air on NBC and will have a new start time, shifting from the traditional Sunday evening to an afternoon slot. This move comes after the 2025 format, which utilized a four-team, single-elimination tournament, received mixed reviews from players due to interruptions during games.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted the significance of hosting the All-Star Game alongside the Winter Olympics and as a precursor to the 2028 Summer Games. “It presents an enormous opportunity for us to do something with an international competition instead of the traditional All-Star formats that we’ve used,” Silver said earlier this year.
With approximately 70% of NBA players being American, this new international format is expected to provide an easier path for international players to secure All-Star spots, enhancing the global appeal of the league. The anticipation builds as fans look forward to this innovative approach, which aims to invigorate the All-Star experience.
Stay tuned for more updates as the NBA prepares for what promises to be a landmark event in sports entertainment.
