The NBA All-Star 2026 Events return to California for the second year in a row, this time hosted in Inglewood. The weekend features a renewed format designed to bring fresh excitement to basketball fans nationwide, highlighted by a unique USA versus World competition in the All-Star Game itself.
The midseason showcase includes a range of activities, beginning Friday with the celebrity game and Rising Stars competition, continuing Saturday with the 3-point contest, Shooting Stars, and slam dunk contests, and culminating Sunday with the main All-Star Game. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association collaborated on the new format, aiming to enhance fan engagement and highlight top talent.
Schedule and Viewing Information for Key Events
Fans can follow the weekend’s action live across several networks and streaming services. On Friday evening, the All-Star celebrity game airs at 7 p.m. Eastern on ESPN, followed by the Rising Stars competition at 9 p.m. on Peacock, and the NBA HBCU Classic at 11 p.m., also on Peacock.
Saturday’s lineup begins with NBA All-Star media day at 1:30 p.m. on NBA TV, followed by a press conference with Commissioner Adam Silver at 4 p.m. The 3-point contest, Shooting Stars, and slam dunk events start at 5 p.m., broadcast on NBC and Peacock. The weekend peaks Sunday with the All-Star Game kickoff at 5 p.m. on NBC and Peacock.
All-Star Team Rosters and Coaching Staff
The league divided the All-Stars into three squads, selected directly by the NBA. The USA Stripes team includes Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, and Norman Powell, coached by San Antonio’s Mitch Johnson.
The USA Stars roster features Scottie Barnes, Devin Booker, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Anthony Edwards, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Johnson, and Tyrese Maxey, with Detroit’s J.B. Bickerstaff as coach.
The World Team consists of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Deni Avdija, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (replaced by Alperen Sengun due to injury), Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Pascal Siakam, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Victor Wembanyama, led by Toronto’s Darko Rajakovic.
Details on the New All-Star Game Format
This year’s All-Star Game features a three-team tournament. Each team’s roster contains eight or nine players, with each game consisting of a single 12-minute NBA quarter. Game 1 pits the USA Stars against the World Team; the winner then challenges the USA Stripes in Game 2. Meanwhile, the loser of Game 1 faces the USA Stripes in Game 3.
The teams with the top two records after these games advance to the championship game. If all three teams finish 1-1, the tie will be broken by point differential to determine the finalists.
Favorites and Betting Odds for Tournament and MVP Honors
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the USA Stripes team leads as tournament favorites with +160 odds, followed closely by the World Team at +170, and the USA Stars at +200. In the race for All-Star MVP, Victor Wembanyama is favored at +700, with Luka Doncic at +1000 and Cade Cunningham at +1100.
Participants in the 3-Point and Slam Dunk Contests
The 3-point contest features eight sharpshooters: Devin Booker, Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey, Norman Powell, Donovan Mitchell, Bobby Portis, Kon Knueppel, and Damian Lillard. Despite not playing this season, Lillard will compete, continuing his “Dame Time” tradition.
The slam dunk competition includes Carter Bryant, Keshad Johnson, Jaxson Hayes, and Jase Richardson, who will showcase their aerial skills on Saturday night.
Recent Developments and Injury Updates
As the All-Star weekend approaches, the NBA confirmed that Alperen Sengun will replace the injured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the World Team roster. Shooting Stars returns as part of the Saturday night lineup, adding to fan-favorite contests. High-profile stars such as Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant will share the court again, with Kawhi Leonard also added to the roster.
LeBron James continues his remarkable All-Star streak, appearing for his 22nd consecutive year. The weekend also highlights several first-timers, including Jalen Duren, Norman Powell, Jalen Johnson, Jamal Murray, Chet Holmgren, and Deni Avdija.
Entertainment Lineup at All-Star Weekend
Performances are scheduled throughout the weekend at the L.A. Convention Center, starting Thursday night with K-Pop group CORTIS. Ludacris will take the stage Friday, while Shaboozey performs on Saturday. Additionally, CORTIS will provide halftime entertainment during Friday’s celebrity game, blending cultural flair with basketball festivities.
Significance of the Updated All-Star Format
The introduction of the USA versus World format, combined with a three-team structure and fast-paced single-quarter games, represents the NBA’s ongoing efforts to innovate and revitalize the All-Star experience. By spotlighting global talent and fostering competitive balance, the event aims to appeal to broader audiences while retaining basketball purists’ interest. As this format gains traction, it may influence future midseason celebrations and player involvement.
This year’s All-Star weekend also underscores the league’s commitment to entertainment, competition, and inclusivity, setting a new standard for the midseason classic and enhancing fan engagement across multiple platforms.
