Wembanyama Vows Competitive All-Star Game

Spurs star expects intensity, energy, and highlight plays in new tournament format.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is confident the 2026 NBA All-Star Game will be a competitive affair, promising "exclamation-point plays, playing in a solid manner and sharing the ball with energy." The league has introduced a new format for the game, pitting a team of U.S. players against an international squad featuring Wembanyama, Nikola Jokić, and Luka Dončić.

Why it matters

The competitiveness of the NBA All-Star Game has been a concern in recent years, with commissioner Adam Silver acknowledging players may lack incentive to play hard in the mid-season exhibition. Wembanyama's comments suggest the new tournament format could reignite the intensity and excitement around the annual showcase.

The details

Wembanyama, who is in the midst of another strong season with the Spurs, said he plans to set the tone with "exclamation-point plays" and unselfish play that will inspire his teammates to match his energy. The 2026 edition of the game will feature two teams - one representing the United States and one made up of international players.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 22-year-old star player for the San Antonio Spurs who is expected to lead the international team at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

Nikola Jokić

The Denver Nuggets center who will join Wembanyama on the international All-Star team.

Luka Dončić

The Los Angeles Lakers forward who will also be part of the international All-Star squad.

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What they’re saying

“I'm confident in the way it's going to go.”

— Victor Wembanyama (ESPN)

“Exclamation-point plays, playing in a solid manner and sharing the ball with energy. If you share that energy, people feel like they have a responsibility to share it back to you.”

— Victor Wembanyama (ESPN)

What’s next

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

Wembanyama's comments suggest the new tournament format for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game could reignite the competitive spirit of the mid-season exhibition, which has lacked intensity in recent years. The international team featuring Wembanyama, Jokić, and Dončić will look to match the energy and excitement of their U.S. counterparts.