NBA Considering USA-vs-World Format for 2026 All-Star Game in Los Angeles
nba-considering-usa-vs-world-format-for-2026-all-star-game
The NBA is weighing another overhaul of its showcase event, exploring a plan that would pit two United States squads against one international team at the 2026 All-Star Game, which is set for Feb. 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, league governors, executives and players discussed the proposal during a Competition Committee meeting on Wednesday and reacted favorably. The concept calls for Ryder Cup-style contests featuring 12-minute quarters, with each U.S. team and the World team facing one another.
Commissioner Adam Silver previously confirmed that the 2026 exhibition would adopt some form of USA vs. World format. The idea mirrors the NFL’s 4 Nations Face-Off, a round-robin competition staged earlier this year between Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States.
Silver also noted that the timing of the 2026 Winter Olympics provides an opportunity to keep an international theme front and center during All-Star Weekend. While American players still make up most of the league, talent from abroad has mushroomed, prompting some observers to suggest that an international roster might be favored.
Potential World Team headliners include Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) and Luka Doncic (Slovenia). The United States could counter with stars such as LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, depending on availability and fan voting.
The NBA’s latest search for a compelling format follows this year’s All-Star experiment in Indianapolis, where four teams played single-elimination games to a target score of 40. While the knockout element added urgency, frequent breaks disrupted the flow and drew mixed reviews from viewers and participants.
In a separate nod to James’ longevity, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal recently said he would still choose the 39-year-old forward over any current star in his prime.
Source: Lakers Nation
