Fans Demand NBA Replicate Unrivaled's 1-on-1 Tournament at All-Star Weekend

NBA fans want the league to introduce a 1-on-1 competition as part of the All-Star weekend festivities to bring more intensity to the marquee event.

Feb. 13, 2026 at 4:47pm

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NBA fans are calling for the league to take inspiration from the popular 'Unrivaled' 1-on-1 tournament and incorporate a similar format into the All-Star weekend. Fans believe a 1-on-1 competition would add much-needed excitement and intensity to the often lackluster All-Star events. The Unrivaled tournament features a high-stakes, winner-take-all format that has captivated audiences, and fans think replicating this at the NBA's marquee event could be a game-changer.

Why it matters

The NBA All-Star weekend has faced criticism in recent years for lacking star power and high-intensity action, with the standard events failing to resonate with fans. Introducing a 1-on-1 tournament modeled after the successful 'Unrivaled' format could reinvigorate the All-Star festivities and provide the kind of competitive, must-see basketball that fans crave.

The details

The 'Unrivaled' 1-on-1 tournament pits the best players against each other in a winner-take-all format, with matches played to 11 points or a 10-minute clock. The event is spread across three nights, creating a sense of anticipation and drama. Fans believe replicating this format at the NBA All-Star weekend would add much-needed intensity and excitement to the marquee event, which has been criticized for its lack of star power and high-octane action in recent years.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star weekend will take place from February 13 to February 15 at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.

The players

Paige Bueckers

A college basketball player who participated in a 1-on-1 matchup that went viral on social media, inspiring fans to call for a similar event at the NBA All-Star weekend.

Kate Martin

A college basketball player who participated in the 1-on-1 matchup with Paige Bueckers that went viral on social media.

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What’s next

The NBA has announced some format changes for the 2026 All-Star weekend, including the introduction of two American All-Star teams and an international 'world' team. The classic Slam Dunk contest, 3-point shooting competition, celebrity All-Star skirmish, and Shooting Stars contest will also be part of the festivities.

The takeaway

Fans are clamoring for the NBA to take a bold step and incorporate a 1-on-1 tournament modeled after the successful 'Unrivaled' format into the All-Star weekend festivities. This could be the key to revitalizing the marquee event and providing the kind of high-intensity, must-see basketball that fans have been craving.