NBA All-Star Weekend 2026: A New Format, Familiar Faces, and Rising Stars Ready to Shine
NBA All-Star Weekend is almost here, and this year, the league is shaking things up. The biggest headline?
A fresh twist on the All-Star Game format. Say goodbye to Team LeBron vs.
Team Giannis and hello to a three-team, round-robin showdown featuring a USA vs. the World setup.
Here’s how it works: Three squads - two made up of USA-born players and one composed of international stars - will compete in a mini-tournament. Each team plays two 12-minute games, and the two with the best records advance to a final matchup to decide the All-Star champs.
It’s a bold change, and it all goes down Sunday at 2 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.
Luka Leads the World, LeBron Makes History (Again)
Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar and the leading vote-getter this year, will headline the World team. It’s a fitting role for Doncic, who continues to be one of the league’s most dynamic and globally beloved talents.
On the other side, LeBron James is set to make his 22nd consecutive All-Star appearance - a staggering milestone that speaks to both his longevity and his continued excellence. He’ll suit up for the USA Stripes squad, adding yet another chapter to his legendary All-Star résumé.
Friday’s Festivities: Celebrity Game and Rising Stars
The weekend tips off on Friday with the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the Kia Forum, starting at 4 p.m. PT. That’s always a fun, lighthearted way to open the weekend - a mix of entertainers, athletes, and personalities getting their moment on the hardwood.
Later that evening, the action shifts to the Intuit Dome for the Castrol Rising Stars event at 6 p.m. PT.
This showcase has become a must-watch for fans who want a glimpse at the league’s future. With the All-Star Game spotlighting the present, Rising Stars is where tomorrow’s household names start to make their mark.
Saturday Night: Shooting Stars Returns, 3-Point Firepower, and a New Dunk Champ on Deck
Saturday is packed with events, all airing on NBC and Peacock starting at 2 p.m. PT from the Intuit Dome.
And yes, the Kia Shooting Stars contest is back for the first time since 2015 - a nostalgic nod for longtime fans. This year’s edition features NBA players and legends, but no WNBA participants like in past versions.
Here’s the breakdown of the Shooting Stars squads:
- Team All-Star: Chet Holmgren, Scottie Barnes, Richard Hamilton
- Team Cameron: Kon Knueppel, Jalen Johnson, Corey Maggette
- Team Harper: Dylan Harper, Ron Harper Jr., Ron Harper Sr.
- Team Knicks: Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, Allan Houston
It’s part competition, part reunion, and all fun - especially for fans who love seeing different generations of hoopers sharing the floor.
State Farm 3-Point Contest: A Loaded Field with a Twist
The 3-point contest is always a fan favorite, and this year’s lineup is stacked. While defending champ Tyler Herro won’t be suiting up, two former winners are back, including a surprising name: Damian Lillard. Despite sitting out the season with a torn Achilles, Lillard will still step into the spotlight for this event - a testament to his love for the moment and his reputation as one of the league’s premier sharpshooters.
Also in the mix is Donovan Mitchell, who has a shot at history. If he wins, he’ll become the first player ever to claim both the Slam Dunk and 3-point titles - an elite flex in a league full of elite athletes.
Here’s the full list of competitors:
- Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
- Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets
- Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
- Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
- Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
- Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks
- Norman Powell, Miami Heat
It’s a mix of proven stars and rising talent, and with Lillard’s return and Mitchell chasing history, the drama is already baked in.
AT&T Slam Dunk: New Blood Takes Center Stage
With three-time champ Mac McClung not participating this year, the AT&T Slam Dunk contest is wide open - and that’s a good thing. It’s a chance for a new name to grab the spotlight and deliver the kind of jaw-dropping, rewind-worthy moments that define All-Star Saturday Night.
This year’s field is young, hungry, and ready to make a statement:
- Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs
- Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles Lakers
- Keshad Johnson, Miami Heat
- Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic
Hayes is the lone representative from a Los Angeles team on Saturday night, and with the event taking place in the city, expect the crowd to get behind him. But all four of these guys have the bounce and creativity to steal the show.
The Bottom Line
This year’s NBA All-Star Weekend is a blend of innovation and tradition. The new game format adds a fresh layer of intrigue, while familiar staples like the dunk contest and 3-point shootout bring the energy fans expect. With stars like Luka and LeBron leading the way, and rising talents seizing their moment, this weekend has all the makings of a classic.