Revolution in the NBA! This will be the new format of the All Star Game 2026

The NBA is a league in constant evolution. It has always been like that. However, since Adam Silver became commissioner, changes have been more common. One of the things that obsesses him the most is the All-Star Game, which in recent years has been modified many times in an effort to enhance viewer interest.

That is why the NBA has announced one of the most significant transformations in the history of the All-Star Game, with a completely new format that will debut in 2026. The league confirmed, in a joint statement with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), that the next edition of the event will be played under a USA vs. World structure, with three teams competing in a round-robin tournament.

The 2026 All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, and will be broadcasted by NBC/Peacock starting at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.

A Never-Before-Seen Format in the All-Star Game

Instead of the traditional conference showdown or the captain system that has dominated in recent years, the new model will bring together two teams made up exclusively of American players and a third team composed of international stars. Each team will have at least eight players and will play four 12-minute games in a group stage format.

The schedule will be as follows:

• Game 1: Team A vs. Team B

• Game 2: Winner of the first game will face Team C

• Game 3: Loser of the first game will play against Team C

• Game 4 (Final): The two teams with the best record will compete for the championship.

If all three teams end with a 1-1 record after the initial phase, the tiebreaker will be determined by the point differential.

Player Selection Process

The selection process will retain some traditions: 24 players will be chosen as All-Stars, 12 per conference.

• The starters will be selected through a combined vote of the fans (50%), NBA players (25%), and a media panel (25%).

• The NBA head coaches will choose the seven reserves per conference.

For the first time, the selection will be made without considering player positions, providing greater flexibility in team formation.

Subsequently, the NBA will determine the player allocation method for the two American teams. Additionally, if the vote count does not reach a minimum of 16 American players and 8 international players, Commissioner Adam Silver will complete the lists with new selections to balance the groups.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¡Revolución en la NBA! Así será el nuevo formato del All Star Game 2026