NBA All-Stars to Face Off in US vs World Game

Curry, James, Durant headline star-studded rosters for new exhibition format

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:07pm

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The NBA All-Star Game will feature a new format this year, with Team USA taking on Team World in a highly anticipated matchup. Superstars like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant will headline the US roster, while Kawhi Leonard has been added to the World team.

Why it matters

The new US vs World format is expected to generate significant interest and excitement around the NBA's annual midseason showcase. Pitting the league's top American players against its international stars adds an intriguing competitive element to the traditionally exhibition-style All-Star Game.

The details

The rosters for the US and World teams were announced on Tuesday. In addition to Curry, James, and Durant, the US squad will feature other NBA superstars. The World team will be led by Leonard, along with a mix of top international players from Europe, Asia, and beyond.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will take place on February 15 in Inglewood, California.
  • The new US vs World format will make its debut at this year's All-Star festivities.

The players

Stephen Curry

A 4-time NBA champion and 8-time All-Star, Curry is one of the league's most iconic players and will captain Team USA.

LeBron James

A 4-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star, James is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time and will co-captain Team USA.

Kevin Durant

A 2-time NBA champion and 12-time All-Star, Durant is one of the most prolific scorers in league history and will round out the US team's star-studded trio.

Kawhi Leonard

A 2-time NBA champion and 5-time All-Star, Leonard is known for his elite two-way play and will lead Team World against the American stars.

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What they’re saying

“This new All-Star format is going to be must-see TV. Pitting the best American players against the top international talent is going to make for an incredibly competitive and entertaining game.”

— LeBron James

“I'm excited to represent my country and go up against some of the best players in the world. It's an honor to be selected and I'm looking forward to the challenge.”

— Kawhi Leonard

What’s next

The full rosters for Team USA and Team World will be announced in the coming weeks, with fan voting determining the starting lineups.

The takeaway

The new US vs World format for the NBA All-Star Game promises to deliver an elevated level of competition and excitement, as the league's top American and international superstars go head-to-head in a highly anticipated midseason showcase.