NBA All-Star Weekend 2026: A New Era of Competition
NBA All-Star Weekend is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond the traditional East vs. West format. This year’s event, taking place February 13-15 in Los Angeles at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum, introduces a USA vs. World tournament, promising a fresh and exciting spectacle for basketball fans.
The USA vs. World Format: How It Works
The 2026 All-Star Game will feature three squads: two comprised of American players and one representing the best international talent. These teams will compete in a round-robin tournament, with the top two teams advancing to a winner-grab-all final. This new structure aims to inject more competitive intensity into the mid-season exhibition.
Who’s Calling the Shots? The All-Star Coaches
The coaching assignments for this year’s All-Star Game reflect the altered competitive landscape. J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons will lead Team Stars, while Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs will coach Team Stripes. Representing the international contingent, Darko Rajaković of the Toronto Raptors will helm Team World.
The selection process for these coaches has also evolved. Coaches for the American teams were initially determined by having the best record in their respective conferences as of February 1st. However, the “Riley Rule,” established in 1991, prevents coaches from repeatedly leading All-Star teams, ensuring broader representation.
The Evolution of All-Star Coaching Selection
Historically, selecting All-Star coaches was straightforward – the coaches with the best records in each conference were chosen. This year’s format necessitated a slight adjustment. While the top records still played a role, the Riley Rule and the addition of an international team coach added complexity. The Raptors’ Darko Rajaković was directly appointed by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to lead Team World, acknowledging the growing global presence in the league.
All-Star Weekend Schedule Highlights
Beyond the All-Star Game itself, the weekend is packed with exciting events. Friday kicks off with the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, followed by the Rising Stars games and the NBA HBCU Classic. Saturday features NBA All-Star Media Day, the Commissioner Adam Silver News Conference, and the highly anticipated State Farm 3-Point Contest, Kia Shooting Stars, and AT&T Slam Dunk contests. Sunday’s schedule culminates in the NBA G League Next Up Game and the All-Star Games.
How to Watch NBA All-Star Weekend 2026
Fans can catch all the action on NBC, ESPN, NBA TV, and through streaming services like Peacock and Fubo. The Celebrity Game will be exclusively on ESPN. The All-Star Game tips off at 5 p.m. ET on NBC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Riley Rule?
A: The Riley Rule prevents coaches from repeatedly leading All-Star teams, ensuring broader representation among coaching staffs.
Q: Where is the 2026 NBA All-Star Game being held?
A: The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will be held in Los Angeles, California, at the Intuit Dome.
Q: What is new about the All-Star Game format this year?
A: This year features a USA vs. World format with a round-robin tournament leading to a final game.
Q: When does All-Star Weekend start?
A: All-Star Weekend begins on Friday, February 13th, and concludes on Sunday, February 15th.
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