The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing showcases in recent memory - and not just because of the talent on the floor. This year’s event, set for February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, brings a bold new format and a star-studded lineup that blends familiar faces with rising stars ready to make their mark.
Let’s start with the headliners. Luka Dončić, now wearing purple and gold, leads the Western Conference starters and will be making his sixth All-Star appearance - his first as a Laker.
Dončić didn’t just make the cut - he topped the fan voting altogether, a clear sign that his move to L.A. hasn’t hurt his popularity one bit. If anything, it’s amplified it.
Joining Dončić in the West’s starting five is a mix of seasoned vets and emerging superstars. Stephen Curry, now in his 12th All-Star selection, continues to defy time with his elite play.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earns his fourth nod and has firmly established himself as one of the league’s premier guards. Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets’ do-it-all big man, is back for his eighth All-Star appearance, and Victor Wembanyama rounds out the group after edging out Anthony Edwards in a fan vote tiebreaker.
That’s a starting five that blends creativity, size, and sheer basketball IQ - and it’s going to be fun to watch.
On the Eastern side, Giannis Antetokounmpo once again led the charge in fan voting. The Bucks’ cornerstone will be making his 10th All-Star appearance, and at this point, he’s a fixture in the event. But what’s exciting is who he’ll be sharing the court with.
Tyrese Maxey of the Sixers continues his meteoric rise, earning his second All-Star selection. Jalen Brunson, the engine behind the Knicks’ success, gets his third nod.
Cade Cunningham, the Pistons’ young leader, also makes his second appearance - a bright spot in what’s been a rebuilding season for Detroit. And Jaylen Brown of the Celtics rounds out the East starters, securing his fifth All-Star selection with the kind of two-way play that’s become his trademark.
Here’s how the starters break down for each conference:
Western Conference All-Star Starters:
- Luka Dončić, Lakers (6th selection)
- Stephen Curry, Warriors (12th)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder (4th)
- Nikola Jokić, Nuggets (8th)
- Victor Wembanyama, Spurs (2nd)
Eastern Conference All-Star Starters:
- Tyrese Maxey, 76ers (2nd selection)
- Jalen Brunson, Knicks (3rd)
- Cade Cunningham, Pistons (2nd)
- Jaylen Brown, Celtics (5th)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks (10th)
The voting process stayed the same this year: fans made up 50% of the vote, while players and media split the remaining 50% evenly. It’s a system that continues to balance popularity with peer and expert recognition - and this year’s selections reflect that blend.
But let’s talk about the biggest change: the format. The NBA is shaking things up in 2026 with a three-team, round-robin tournament featuring two U.S. squads and one international team. Each game will be 12 minutes long, and the new structure promises a fresh, competitive edge to the midseason classic.
Despite the format change, the All-Star selection process remains rooted in conference representation. Each conference will have 12 All-Stars, with 10 starters (already revealed) and seven reserves to be named next week. If the initial rosters don’t provide at least 16 American players or eight international players, Commissioner Adam Silver will step in to fill out the squads accordingly.
So, based on the current starters, we already have a strong idea of what the "World" team will look like: Dončić, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić, Wembanyama, and Antetokounmpo - a global lineup that’s as talented as it is diverse. The American starters for the two U.S. teams will be determined once the full All-Star rosters are finalized.
Another key change this year: the league has done away with the traditional backcourt and frontcourt designations in All-Star voting. That shift opened the door for a more positionless selection process, giving voters more freedom to recognize the best players, regardless of where they line up on the floor.
All in all, the 2026 NBA All-Star Game is shaping up to be more than just a celebration - it’s a bold reimagining of what the event can be. With a new format, a global flair, and a roster stacked with talent, this year’s game might just set the tone for the future of All-Star Weekend.