The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is expected to feature a round-robin tournament with three eight-player teams—two representing the United States and one composed of international players—according to sources briefed on the proposal.
League and players’ union officials presented the concept to the NBA’s competition committee on Wednesday, sources said. Governors, front-office executives and players who attended the meeting reportedly reacted favorably.
Under the plan, the two U.S. squads and the World team would face each other in separate 12-minute quarters, creating a mini-tournament inside the showcase event.
The game is scheduled for Feb. 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, the new home of the LA Clippers. NBC will televise the matchup, which is moving from its traditional Sunday evening slot to a Sunday afternoon broadcast.
Last season’s All-Star format, a four-team single-elimination event with a target score of 40 in each round, drew mixed reviews from players who cited frequent pauses during and between games.
Commissioner Adam Silver signaled earlier this year that the league was open to an international twist, noting that the 2026 exhibition will be staged during the Winter Olympics and at the future site of the 2028 Summer Games. With roughly 70% of NBA players holding U.S. passports, a U.S.-versus-World setup is expected to increase opportunities for international stars to make the roster.
Source: ESPN
