2026 NBA All-Star Game rosters finalized for new USA vs. World format

The game will feature a round-robin tournament with three teams: USA Stars, USA Stripes, and Team World.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The 2026 NBA All-Star Game rosters have been finalized, with the league changing the format to a USA vs. World competition featuring three teams in a round-robin tournament. Twenty-eight players were named All-Stars, with De'Aaron Fox joining as an injury replacement for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The format will consist of each team playing the other two, with the top two teams facing off in the title game.

Why it matters

The new format aims to showcase the growing international talent in the NBA, while also pitting the top American stars against each other. It provides an exciting new twist on the traditional All-Star Game and an opportunity for players to compete for significant bonus payouts.

The details

The USA Stars team will feature younger American talent like Scottie Barnes, Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Maxey, while the USA Stripes team will have veteran American stars like Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. Team World will have all the international NBA talent, including players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Norman Powell. The round-robin tournament will determine the two teams that will face off in the title game, with point differential used to break any three-way ties.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • The game will tip off at 5 p.m. EST.

The players

De'Aaron Fox

A guard for the San Antonio Spurs who was added to the All-Star roster as an injury replacement for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks star who was originally selected for the All-Star Game but had to withdraw due to injury.

Karl-Anthony Towns

A forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves who was born in New Jersey but will play for Team World due to his ties to the Dominican Republic national team.

Norman Powell

A guard for the Los Angeles Clippers who was born in San Diego but will play for Team World due to his ties to the Jamaican national team.

Scottie Barnes

A forward for the Toronto Raptors who will play for the USA Stars team.

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What they’re saying

“The new format is an exciting way to showcase the global talent in the NBA. It will be fun to see the American stars compete against each other, as well as the top international players.”

— Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons guard (ESPN)

“I'm honored to be selected as an injury replacement and to represent Team World. It's a great opportunity to show what the international players can do against the best American talent.”

— De'Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs guard (NBA.com)

What’s next

The players on the winning team will each receive $125,000, while the runners-up will get $50,000 and the third-place team $25,000.

The takeaway

The new USA vs. World format for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game promises an exciting and competitive showcase of the league's top talent, both American and international. It provides an opportunity to highlight the growing global influence of the NBA and the diverse array of star players.