The NBA is exploring a U.S.-vs.-world format for next season's All-Star Game, a concept previously discussed by Commissioner Adam Silver. This potential change follows the scrapping of the mini-tournament format used this season and aligns with the new 11-year media rights deal with NBC, which will air the game on Sunday afternoon in 2026. The move is inspired by the NHL's successful 4 Nations Face-off and the strong competition at the Paris Olympics. International players like Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo have expressed enthusiasm for the idea, despite the challenge of balancing rosters given that 70% of NBA players are American.
NBA working on US-vs.-world format for All-Star Game, AP source says
Victor WembanyamaAdam SilverStephen CurryNew York CityNBAOklahomaNew York City WireCaliforniaNew YorkIndianaNational Hockey LeagueGiannis AntetokounmpoNHL hockeyNikola JokicSportsNBA basketball2024 Paris Olympic Games
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The NBA is exploring a U.S.-vs.-world format for next season's All-Star Game, a concept previously discussed by Commissioner Adam Silver. This potential change follows the scrapping of the mini-tournament format used this season and aligns with the new 11-year media rights deal with NBC, which will air the game on Sunday afternoon in 2026. The move is inspired by the NHL's successful 4 Nations Face-off and the strong competition at the Paris Olympics. International players like Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo have expressed enthusiasm for the idea, despite the challenge of balancing rosters given that 70% of NBA players are American.
Trending- 1 February (recent): International players expressed enthusiasm for U.S.-vs.-world format at this year's All-Star Game.
- 2 March 27: Adam Silver addressed the idea at the league's board of governors meeting, scrapping the mini-tournament format.
- 3 2024: 211-186 final score at Indianapolis All-Star Game was 'last straw.'
- 4 Next season (2025-2026): New 11-year media rights deals with NBC kick in.
- 5 Feb. 15, 2026: 2026 All-Star Game to be played in Inglewood, California.
- Potential increase in competitiveness and pride for All-Star Game
- Potential challenge in balancing rosters due to player demographics
- Shift in broadcast time for the game
What: The NBA is working on a plan to change the All-Star Game format to a U.S.-vs.-world competition.
When: Next season (2025-2026), specifically the 2026 game on Feb. 15. The decision was discussed on March 27 and announced Wednesday.
Where: Inglewood, California (site of 2026 game), Oklahoma City (AP reporting location), Paris (Olympics), San Francisco (site of previous mini-tournament), Indianapolis (site of 2024 game).
Why: To make the All-Star Game more competitive and purposeful, inspired by successful formats like the NHL's 4 Nations Face-off and Olympic competition, and to align with new media rights deals with NBC.
How: By changing the game format to U.S. players vs. international players, potentially adjusting roster sizes to account for the player demographic (70% American, 30% international).