NBA All-Star Game 2026: Team USA vs. Team World Brings a Global Twist to the 75th Edition
The NBA’s 75th All-Star Game is embracing the international flavor that’s come to define the league in recent years. For the first time ever, it’s Team USA versus Team World - a fitting tribute to a game that’s gone global. With seven straight MVPs hailing from outside the U.S., this year’s format feels less like a gimmick and more like a reflection of where the league is headed.
The game tips off Sunday at 5 p.m. ET from the brand-new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
It’ll be broadcast on NBC and Telemundo, with streaming available on Peacock. And yes, that earlier start time is to make room for NBC’s Winter Olympics coverage - it’s been a busy month for the network, which also just aired Super Bowl LX.
Let’s break down what to expect from this year’s All-Star showcase, from the revamped format to the rosters and the broadcast lineup.
A New Format for a New Era
The NBA’s All-Star Game has seen its fair share of reboots over the years. From the classic East vs. West setup to the Team LeBron captain-led drafts, to the Elam Ending and last year’s four-team mini-tournament - the league hasn’t been shy about experimenting.
This year, the league is keeping the mini-game structure but shifting the focus to international competition. It’s Team USA Stars vs.
Team USA Stripes vs. Team World in a round-robin tournament.
Each game is 12 minutes long, and if all three squads finish 1-1, point differential will determine who plays in the final.
Gone is the rookie-sophomore team from last year’s format, but young talent still gets the spotlight. The Stars roster features rising American players like Scottie Barnes, Cade Cunningham, and Chet Holmgren. The Stripes group, meanwhile, brings the veteran firepower - LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and more.
Team World? They’re stacked. Led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić, with Victor Wembanyama and Jamal Murray in the mix, they’ve got the size, skill, and international flair to make a serious run.
Here’s how the coaching duties shake out:
- Team USA Stars: J.B.
Bickerstaff (Detroit Pistons)
- Team USA Stripes: Mitch Johnson (San Antonio Spurs)
- Team World: Darko Rajaković (Toronto Raptors), the Serbian head coach brings a deep understanding of the international game to the bench.
The Rosters
Team USA Stars
- Scottie Barnes (Raptors)
- Devin Booker (Suns)
- Cade Cunningham (Pistons)
- Jalen Duren (Pistons)
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
- Jalen Johnson (Hawks)
- Tyrese Maxey (76ers)
Team USA Stripes
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics)
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
- Kevin Durant (Rockets)
- De’Aaron Fox (Spurs, injury replacement)
- Brandon Ingram (Raptors, injury replacement)
- LeBron James (Lakers)
- Kawhi Leonard (Clippers)
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
- Stephen Curry (Warriors, injured)
Team World
- Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers)
- Luka Dončić (Lakers)
- Nikola Jokić (Nuggets)
- Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
- Norman Powell (Heat)
- Alperen Şengün (Rockets, injury replacement)
- Pascal Siakam (Pacers)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder, injured)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks, injured)
Even with a few stars sidelined, the talent pool is deep. This format should give us some intriguing matchups - Durant vs.
Jokić, Edwards vs. Wemby, LeBron vs.
Luka - pick your favorite.
NBC’s Return to the NBA Spotlight
This year’s All-Star Game marks NBC’s first time broadcasting the event since 2002 - a nostalgic return for longtime fans who remember the “Roundball Rock” theme and the golden era of 90s hoops.
They’re bringing out a fresh but familiar crew:
- Play-by-play: Noah Eagle, at 29, becomes the youngest to ever call an All-Star Game.
- Analysts: Hall of Famer Reggie Miller and former Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford.
- Sideline reporters: Zora Stephenson and Ashley ShahAhmadi.
In the studio, it’s an All-Star trio of Carmelo Anthony (10 All-Star nods), Vince Carter (8), and Tracy McGrady (7) breaking it all down. That’s 25 All-Star appearances of insight between them.
For Spanish-language viewers, Telemundo has Álvaro Martín on the call with former NBA guard Greivis Vásquez providing analysis.
And yes, the iconic “Roundball Rock” theme is back - this time performed live to open the broadcast. Brandy will sing the national anthem, while Sarah McLachlan handles “O Canada.”
All-Star Records to Know
- Most All-Star appearances: LeBron James, with 22 as of Sunday. His All-Star debut came in 2005 - when Victor Wembanyama was just a toddler.
- Most points in a single All-Star Game: Jayson Tatum dropped 55 in 2023, shooting 22-of-31 with 10 threes.
- Most made threes in a single game: Steph Curry’s 16 in 2022 - a performance that felt more like a video game than real life.
- Most perfect shooting performance: Shareef Abdur-Rahim went 4-for-4 in 2002 - not flashy, but still a record.
The Bottom Line
This year’s All-Star Game isn’t just a celebration of basketball excellence - it’s a reflection of the NBA’s evolution. What was once a league dominated by American stars is now a truly global game, and the 75th edition of the All-Star showcase leans into that reality.
Whether it’s the young guns trying to make their mark, the international stars continuing to redefine greatness, or legends like LeBron and KD adding to their legacies, there’s no shortage of storylines heading into Sunday night.
So, tune in early, soak in the nostalgia, and get ready for a fresh twist on a classic showcase. The NBA’s biggest names are ready to put on a show - and this time, the whole world’s watching.