The NBA’s biggest names are set to shine under the California sun as the 75th All-Star Game tips off Sunday afternoon in Inglewood. This year’s midseason celebration of basketball isn’t just a milestone - it’s a statement. The league is rolling out a bold new format that leans into both the sport’s American roots and its global explosion, and it all gets going at 2:00 PM PT on NBC and Peacock.
A Look Back Before We Look Ahead
Last year’s All-Star festivities in San Francisco brought a shake-up to the traditional format. Instead of East vs.
West or even the more recent captain-led drafts, the league handed the reins to four former players turned TNT analysts - Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Candace Parker - to draft four squads for a single-elimination tournament. It was fast-paced, fun, and full of highlights.
Shaq’s OGs walked away with the trophy after knocking off Chuck’s Global Stars 41-25 in the final. Stephen Curry, playing in front of his home crowd at Chase Center, put on a show and earned All-Star MVP honors in what turned out to be a fitting tribute to his legendary run in Golden State.
What's New in 2026
This time around, the NBA is once again shaking things up - and the format might be its most ambitious yet. The theme? USA vs. the World, with a twist.
Three teams will take the floor:
- USA Stars - a younger crop of American talent
- USA Stripes - a group of seasoned American vets
- Team World - top international players from across the globe
Each team will play two 12-minute games in a round-robin format. The two best squads from that mini-tournament will advance to a final showdown to crown the 2026 All-Star champion.
It’s a format that not only adds stakes to what’s often been a no-defense exhibition, but also highlights the growing international flavor of the NBA. With players from all over the world making serious impacts on the league’s biggest stages, this setup feels like a natural evolution - and a nod to the sport’s global reach.
One Big Name Missing - But Plenty of Star Power Remains
Stephen Curry was selected for his 12th All-Star appearance, but fans won’t see him on the court this time. He’s still recovering from a knee injury and will sit this one out. That’s a blow for sure - Curry’s flair for the dramatic has become a staple of All-Star Weekend - but this year’s rosters are still loaded with talent and intrigue.
Here’s a breakdown of the squads:
USA Stars:
- Cade Cunningham
- Anthony Edwards
- Scottie Barnes
- Jalen Johnson
- Jalen Duren
- Devin Booker
- Chet Holmgren
- Tyrese Maxey
This group brings the energy and upside. Edwards and Booker are already stars, and guys like Holmgren and Cunningham are right behind them. Expect a lot of speed, creativity, and highlight-reel plays from this youthful unit.
USA Stripes:
- Jaylen Brown
- Kevin Durant
- Brandon Ingram
- Kawhi Leonard
- Jalen Brunson
- De’Aaron Fox
- LeBron James
- Donovan Mitchell
Experience, savvy, and firepower. LeBron and KD are still headline acts, but don’t sleep on the likes of Brunson and Fox - two guards who’ve been quietly building All-NBA resumes. This team has the depth and versatility to make a deep run in the format.
Team World roster details weren’t released in the original report, but you can bet it’ll feature some of the international elite who’ve helped redefine the NBA’s global identity.
Why This All Matters
The All-Star Game has long been about more than just basketball - it’s a celebration of the league’s brightest stars and a moment to showcase the game’s evolution. In recent years, though, the NBA has looked for ways to inject more competitiveness into the event, and this year’s format might just do the trick.
By splitting the American players by age and pitting them against a unified international squad, the league is tapping into real competitive pride. There’s youth vs. experience, national pride on the line, and a format that rewards hustle and cohesion - not just flash.
So while the setting is glitzy and the stakes aren’t championship-level, don’t be surprised if this year’s All-Star Game delivers more than just alley-oops and half-court heaves. With the right mix of talent, pride, and structure, the 75th edition could be one to remember.
When: Sunday, February 15 at 2:00 PM PT
Where to Watch: NBC and Peacock
Buckle up - the stars are ready to shine, and the format is built for fireworks.