Dwyane Wade Suggests Moving NBA All-Star Game to After Season

NBA legend proposes All-Star event should be an "experience" like the NFL Pro Bowl.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 9:15pm

NBA legend Dwyane Wade has an interesting idea on how to draw more attention to the NBA All-Star game in future years. Wade suggested the league should move the All-Star game to after the regular season, similar to the NFL's Pro Bowl, so it can be more of an "experience" for fans and players.

Why it matters

The NBA All-Star game has struggled in recent years to generate excitement, with players often appearing to lack effort. Moving the game to after the season could potentially make it a more anticipated event, though the NFL Pro Bowl has also faced criticism for lack of player participation.

The details

Wade proposed the idea during a recent interview, saying "I don't feel like we should stop and do the [NBA] All-Star game in the middle of the season no more. … I look at it like Pro Bowl. … The All-Star game should be a trip… an experience for the people who making it." The current NBA All-Star game takes place in the middle of the regular season, whereas the NFL Pro Bowl occurs after the playoffs have begun.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star game took place on February 18, 2026 in Los Angeles.

The players

Dwyane Wade

A former NBA player and current league legend who has proposed moving the NBA All-Star game to after the regular season.

Victor Wembanyama

A young star player for the San Antonio Spurs who set the tone for increased effort in the 2026 NBA All-Star game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't feel like we should stop and do the [NBA] All-Star game in the middle of the season no more. … I look at it like Pro Bowl. … The All-Star game should be a trip… an experience for the people who making it.”

— Dwyane Wade

What’s next

The NBA will likely consider Wade's suggestion as they look to improve the All-Star game experience in future years.

The takeaway

Dwyane Wade's proposal to move the NBA All-Star game to after the regular season, similar to the NFL's Pro Bowl, reflects the league's ongoing efforts to make the midseason showcase a more engaging and anticipated event for both players and fans.