NBA All-Star Game 2026: USA vs. World Format Shakes Up the Weekend in Inglewood
The NBA took a bold swing at reinventing the All-Star Game this year, and it brought the fireworks. In a brand-new three-team, USA vs.
World format, the league delivered a high-energy, round-robin tournament that featured buzzer-beaters, breakout performances, and a fresh twist on a classic showcase. Hosted at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, the home of the Clippers, the 2026 All-Star Game wasn’t just a game-it was a mini tournament, and it had something for everyone.
A New Look: USA vs. World Format
Here’s how it worked: three teams - two squads of U.S. players (the Stars and the Stripes) and one international team - squared off in four 12-minute games. It was a round-robin setup, with the top two teams advancing to a final showdown. If all three teams finished 1-1, point differential would be the tiebreaker.
The format brought a different kind of intensity. With shorter games and fewer possessions, every play mattered - and the players responded.
Game 1: USA Stars 37, World 35
The tournament tipped off with the World team taking on the USA Stars.
Victor Wembanyama wasted no time making his presence felt, putting up 14 points and grabbing six boards. The game went down to the wire - literally.
In overtime, it was Scottie Barnes who stepped up and drilled a three at the buzzer, giving the Stars a dramatic win and setting the tone for the weekend.
Game 2: USA Stripes 42, USA Stars 40
Next up: a battle of the red, white, and blue.
The Stars and Stripes went head-to-head in a game that felt like a generational clash. Kevin Durant led the way for the Stripes - a squad jokingly dubbed the “Old Heads” - while Anthony Edwards and Cade Cunningham kept the younger Stars in the mix.
It all came down to De’Aaron Fox, who buried a three at the buzzer to steal the win for the Stripes.
Game 3: USA Stripes 48, World 45
Then came the Kawhi Leonard game.
Playing in front of the hometown crowd, Leonard turned in one of the most electric All-Star performances in recent memory. He dropped 31 points in just 12 minutes - a scoring burst that had the crowd buzzing and the World team scrambling.
The Stripes pulled out another close win, locking in their spot in the championship round.
Game 4 (Championship): USA Stars 47, USA Stripes 21
By the time the final rolled around, the Stripes looked like a team running on fumes.
Their offense stalled, and the Stars - younger, fresher, and riding a wave of momentum - took full advantage. Anthony Edwards led the charge and capped off his weekend by winning the Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP Award.
The final score? A lopsided 47-21 win for the Stars, who claimed bragging rights in this new-look format.
All-Star Rosters
USA Stars - Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff
- Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors) - 2nd All-Star appearance
- Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) - 2nd
- Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) - 4th
- Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks) - 1st
- Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) - 5th
- Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons) - 1st
- Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder) - 1st
- Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers) - 2nd
USA Stripes - Coach: Mitch Johnson
- De’Aaron Fox (San Antonio Spurs) - 2nd* (*Replaced Stephen Curry due to injury)
World - Coach: Darko Rajaković
- Featured a replacement selection named by Commissioner Adam Silver following Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s injury
Players React to the New Format
Not everyone was sold on the three-team twist.
Kawhi Leonard kept it real: “Can’t say I hate it or love it. I’d rather just be East and West and go out there and compete and see what the outcome is.”
Cade Cunningham echoed that sentiment. “I grew up just wanting to be in the All-Star Game.
My only two years have been in these different formats. I’d like to experience East vs.
West. I want to play in what all the greats played in.”
But others, like Kevin Durant, saw the bigger picture. “We could talk about who plays harder or U.S. versus World - all that stuff doesn’t matter. This is a great weekend to bring so many people together and help push the game forward.”
Jaylen Brown, meanwhile, floated a completely different idea - one-on-one matchups. “It reminds me of the purity of the game.
It’s just mano a mano. You’ve got people on the court talking trash.”
Brown even called out potential opponents: Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson, and Donovan Mitchell. “We could donate to whatever charity.
Let’s set it up.”
What’s Next?
Whether the new format sticks or not remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: the NBA isn’t afraid to shake things up. This year’s All-Star weekend delivered fresh energy, tight games, and a platform for stars - both young and veteran - to shine. And with players like Edwards, Wembanyama, and Leonard putting on a show, the future of the league was front and center.
Where to Watch the Replay:
- Date: Sunday, Feb.
15
- Time: 2 p.m.
PT
- TV/Streaming: NBC, Peacock
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game may have changed the format, but the essence of the weekend - elite talent, high-level entertainment, and a celebration of the game - stayed right on brand.