NBA All-Star 2026 Promises Electrifying New Format

New round-robin competition features USA Stars, USA Stripes, and World Team

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The NBA All-Star weekend 2026 is set to take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, with a new round-robin format that will see three teams - two American squads (USA Stars and USA Stripes) and one World Team - compete for the championship. The games will be shorter, lasting just 12 minutes each, adding to the excitement. Fans can watch the action across NBC, ESPN, and NBA TV, with cord-cutters able to stream through services like Sling TV and NBA League Pass.

Why it matters

The new format promises a fresh take on the NBA All-Star game, with the traditional East vs West matchup replaced by a more diverse and competitive three-team tournament. This should generate increased interest and viewership, as fans get to see their favorite stars face off in a novel setup. The event also showcases the league's global reach, with international players like Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the World Team.

The details

The 2026 NBA All-Star weekend will feature a variety of events, including the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, the Rising Stars Challenge, the NBA HBCU Classic, and the main All-Star Game itself. The All-Star Game will now have a round-robin format, with the USA Stars, USA Stripes, and World Team competing in three separate games to determine the championship matchup. Notable absences include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, both sidelined by injuries.

  • The NBA All-Star weekend 2026 will take place from February 13-15, 2026.
  • The main All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

LeBron James

A 22-time NBA All-Star, LeBron James is set to make another appearance, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in league history.

Luka Dončić

The Lakers star will lead the World Team, looking to showcase his elite scoring and playmaking abilities against the American squads.

Nikola Jokić

The Denver Nuggets center will also represent the World Team, bringing his impressive all-around game to the All-Star festivities.

Anthony Edwards

The Minnesota Timberwolves guard will be a key contributor for the USA Stars, coming off a strong season where he averaged over 29 points per game.

Cade Cunningham

The Detroit Pistons point guard will run the offense for the USA Stars, leading the team with his impressive passing skills.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The 2026 NBA All-Star weekend promises to be an exciting and innovative event, with a new round-robin format that will showcase the league's top talent from around the world. Fans can look forward to a fast-paced, high-scoring competition as the USA Stars, USA Stripes, and World Team battle it out for the championship.