The NBA All-Star Game tips off today at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and this year, the league is rolling out a bold new format. Gone is the traditional East vs.
West or the recent Team LeBron vs. Team Giannis setup.
In its place: a three-team, round-robin tournament featuring Team USA Stars, Team USA Stripes, and Team World.
Yes, you read that right-three squads, one All-Star showcase, and a whole lot of intrigue.
A New Era of All-Star Competition
The NBA has never been shy about experimenting with its midseason classic, and this latest twist is arguably its most ambitious yet. By splitting players into three teams-two representing the United States and one composed of international stars-the league is leaning into its growing global influence while also injecting fresh energy into a game that, in recent years, has struggled to capture the same competitive fire it once had.
While some marquee names are sidelined-Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are all out due to injuries-there’s still no shortage of star power. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic headline a roster pool that’s as deep as it is dynamic.
How to Watch
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 15
- Time: 4 p.m. CT
- Location: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
Calling the action courtside will be Noah Eagle and Reggie Miller, a pairing that should bring both sharp insight and a bit of flair to the broadcast.
Breaking Down the Rosters
Let’s take a closer look at how the three teams stack up:
Team USA Stars
This group leans young, explosive, and full of upside.
Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, and Tyrese Maxey bring scoring punch and swagger, while Chet Holmgren and Jalen Duren provide size and rim protection. Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes offer versatility on both ends, and Jalen Johnson is one of the most underrated athletes in the league.
This team feels like the NBA’s next wave making its presence known.
Team USA Stripes
If the Stars are the future, the Stripes are the now.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant need no introduction, and they’re flanked by elite two-way wings like Kawhi Leonard and Jaylen Brown. Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell add scoring and playmaking, while De’Aaron Fox brings speed in transition.
This is a veteran-heavy roster that knows how to win and isn’t afraid of the spotlight.
Team World
International talent continues to reshape the NBA landscape, and this roster is proof.
Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic are two of the most cerebral and creative players in the game, and they’re joined by emerging stars like Victor Wembanyama and Alperen Sengun. Jamal Murray adds shot-making and playoff pedigree, while Pascal Siakam and Karl-Anthony Towns offer versatility in the frontcourt.
This squad might be the most balanced of the three-and arguably the most unpredictable.
What to Expect
With a round-robin format, each team will face the other two in shorter matchups, likely creating a faster pace and more urgency than the typical All-Star affair. That should help dial up the competitiveness, especially with pride-and maybe a little trash talk-on the line between the American and international contingents.
And while the All-Star Game is still, at its core, a celebration of talent and entertainment, don’t be surprised if the final few minutes of each game get a little more intense. These players are competitors at the highest level, and even in an exhibition setting, no one wants to walk away a step behind their peers.
Final Thoughts
The NBA’s decision to shake things up with a three-team All-Star format is a swing for the fences. But with this much talent on the floor and a new structure designed to keep things fresh, there’s plenty of reason to believe this year’s game could be one of the most entertaining in recent memory.
So whether you're tuning in for the high-flying dunks, the deep threes, or the chance to see the game's brightest stars share the floor in new combinations, this All-Star Game promises something different-and potentially something special.