The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is heading back to Los Angeles-but this time, it’s the Clippers’ shiny new home, the Intuit Dome, that will take center stage on February 15. The game will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock, marking a fresh chapter for the league’s midseason showcase. While the venue might belong to the Clippers, it’s the Lakers who are likely to steal the spotlight.
Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves have both been playing at an All-Star level this season, and of course, LeBron James remains one of the league’s most popular players-his name is practically a lock when it comes to fan voting. Even in year 22, LeBron’s presence looms large over any All-Star conversation. So while the Clippers may host, don’t be surprised if purple and gold dominate the headlines.
A New Look for the All-Star Format: USA vs. The World
This year’s All-Star Game is getting a serious facelift. The NBA is rolling out a brand-new format: **USA vs.
The World**. But it’s not quite as simple as two teams facing off.
Instead, the league is introducing a three-team, round-robin tournament that will feature two squads made up of American-born players and one team of international stars. Each team will have eight players, and the action will unfold over four 12-minute games.
Here’s how it’ll work:
- Game 1: Team A vs. Team B
- Game 2: Winner of Game 1 vs. Team C
- Game 3: Loser of Game 1 vs. Team C
- Championship Game: The two teams with the best records face off
If all three teams finish with a 1-1 record, the tiebreaker will come down to point differential. It’s a fresh twist that blends the excitement of international competition with the fast-paced flair of All-Star Weekend. Think of it as a mini-tournament packed into one night-shorter games, more urgency, and a new way to spotlight the league’s global talent.
Fan Voting: What You Need to Know
Voting for the All-Star starters officially tips off on December 17 at 12 p.m. ET and runs through **January 14 at 11:59 p.m.
ET**. Fans can cast their votes daily through the NBA App or NBA.com/vote, but you’ll need an NBA ID to participate.
Don’t have one? No problem-you can sign up at NBA.com/ID.
This year, there’s a key change in how fans vote: no more position designations. That means you’re no longer locked into choosing guards and forwards separately.
Instead, you can simply pick the five most deserving players from each conference, regardless of position. It’s a move that reflects how the modern game is played-positionless basketball is the norm, and now the voting process mirrors that evolution.
Fan votes will count for 50% of the total tally, with players and media each accounting for 25%. The 10 starters-five from each conference-will be announced on January 19 on NBC.
And if you’re looking to make your vote count a little extra? Mark your calendar for the five “3X Vote Days”:
- December 21
- December 25
- December 30
- January 7
- January 14
On those days, every vote you cast will count triple, giving fans a real opportunity to influence the final rosters.
Roster Construction: How It Might Shake Out
With the new format, the expectation is that we’ll see 16 American-born players and eight international stars make up the three All-Star teams. But of course, fan voting can always throw a few curveballs. If the numbers don’t quite line up, Commissioner Adam Silver will step in to round out the rosters and ensure each team is properly filled.
This new structure could lead to some fascinating combinations-and potentially some first-time All-Stars getting their shot on the big stage. And with the global talent pool deeper than ever, don’t be surprised if the international team brings some serious firepower.
The Bottom Line
The NBA is clearly aiming to inject new life into the All-Star Game with this revamped format. A three-team, tournament-style setup brings a sense of urgency and unpredictability that’s been missing in recent years. Add in the open-position voting and a stacked pool of international talent, and 2026 could deliver one of the most compelling All-Star weekends in recent memory.
Los Angeles is no stranger to basketball spectacle, and with the league’s brightest stars converging at the Intuit Dome, this year’s All-Star Game has all the makings of a must-watch event. Whether it’s Luka dazzling, LeBron leading, or a breakout star making their mark, the countdown to February 15 is officially on.