NBA All-Star 2026 Weekend Kicks Off in Inglewood

Celebrity game, Rising Stars, 3-point and dunk contests, and new USA vs. World All-Star format highlight the festivities.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 4:07pm

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The NBA's annual midseason showcase returns to California for the second straight year, this time moving to Inglewood. The weekend features a variety of events, including the celebrity game and Rising Stars competition on Friday, 3-point, Shooting Stars and slam-dunk contests on Saturday, and a new All-Star game format on Sunday that pits the USA against the World.

Why it matters

The NBA has tried various formats to spark renewed interest in the All-Star Game, and the USA vs. World concept is the latest attempt. Additionally, the event brings excitement and economic activity to the Inglewood community, which is home to the new Intuit Dome that opened in 2024.

The details

The U.S. vs. the World concept was unveiled earlier this season after years of discussion. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association collaborated on the new format, which features three teams - USA Stripes, USA Stars, and World. The teams will compete in a tournament-style format, with the winners of the first two games facing off in the championship.

  • The NBA All-Star celebrity game and Rising Stars competition will be held on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • The 3-point contest, Shooting Stars, and slam-dunk contests will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • The NBA All-Star Game, featuring the USA vs. World format, will be played on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Jaylen Brown

Boston Celtics player on the USA Stripes team.

Stephen Curry

Golden State Warriors player on the USA Stripes team.

Chet Holmgren

Oklahoma City Thunder player on the USA Stars team.

Victor Wembanyama

French player on the World team, considered a favorite for All-Star MVP.

Mitch Johnson

San Antonio Spurs coach for the USA Stripes team.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The winners of the first two games on Sunday will face off in the championship game to determine the overall champion of the new USA vs. World All-Star format.

The takeaway

The NBA's continued efforts to innovate the All-Star Game format, combined with the event's return to the Inglewood community, highlight the league's commitment to engaging fans and providing an exciting midseason showcase.