The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend is right around the corner, and this year’s festivities are bringing a fresh twist to the hardwood. The main event tips off Sunday afternoon at the Clippers’ brand-new Intuit Dome, but the buzz is already building thanks to a revamped format and a star-studded lineup that blends global flair with homegrown firepower.
A New Era: USA vs. World, With a Twist
Gone is the traditional East vs. West, and even the recent Team LeBron vs.
Team Giannis format. In its place?
A three-team, round-robin mini-tournament featuring USA Stars, USA Stripes, and Team World. It’s a bold shakeup designed to spotlight the league’s international growth while still celebrating the depth of American talent.
The structure is simple but intriguing: each team plays two games, and the top two squads (based on record, with point differential as a tiebreaker) meet in a final showdown to determine the All-Star champs. It’s fast, it’s competitive, and it’s got just enough edge to elevate the usual All-Star fun into something fans can really sink their teeth into.
Roster Rundown: Who’s Playing Where?
Twenty-eight players earned All-Star honors this year, with De’Aaron Fox of the Spurs being the latest addition, stepping in as an injury replacement. The rosters were carefully constructed to balance talent across all three teams, with a few creative decisions made to even things out.
Take Karl-Anthony Towns, for example. Born in New Jersey but a longtime representative of the Dominican Republic national team, Towns will suit up for Team World.
Same goes for Norman Powell, who was initially listed on USA Stripes but shifted to Team World after Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out. Powell, a San Diego native, has international ties through the Jamaican national team.
Here’s how the round-robin will play out:
- Game 1: USA Stars (featuring rising American talents like Scottie Barnes, Cade Cunningham, and Tyrese Maxey) face off against Team World.
- Game 2: The winner of Game 1 takes on USA Stripes, the veteran-heavy squad led by names like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard.
- Game 3: The loser from Game 1 gets their shot at USA Stripes.
- Game 4: The top two teams meet in the final for the All-Star title.
It’s a format that should deliver a mix of high-level competition and highlight-reel moments - and with $125,000 on the line for each player on the winning team, there’s more incentive than ever to bring the energy.
All-Star Game Broadcast Info
Set your clocks: the 2026 NBA All-Star Game tips off at 4 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
The stakes? Beyond bragging rights, there’s real money on the table:
- Winning team: $125,000 per player
- Second place: $50,000 per player
- Third place: $25,000 per player
Saturday Spotlight: Shooting Stars Challenge Returns
Before Sunday’s showdown, Saturday brings its own dose of entertainment with the Shooting Stars Challenge, kicking off at 4 p.m. It’s the classic All-Star Weekend event that pairs NBA players with legends and rising stars in a timed shooting competition from various spots on the floor.
Chet Holmgren will join Scottie Barnes and former NBA champion Richard Hamilton on Team All-Star, one of four trios competing in the event.
Here’s a look at the full Shooting Stars lineup:
Team All-Star
- Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)
- Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Richard Hamilton (NBA Legend)
Team Cameron
- Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
- Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)
- Corey Maggette (NBA Legend)
Team Harper
- Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs)
- Ron Harper Jr. (Boston Celtics)
- Ron Harper (NBA Legend)
Team Knicks
- Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)
- Allan Houston (NBA Legend)
It’s a fun, fast-paced event that often delivers some of the weekend’s most memorable moments - especially with the mix of current stars and NBA icons sharing the court.
This year’s All-Star Weekend is shaping up to be more than just a midseason exhibition. With a fresh format, a global spotlight, and a healthy mix of youth and experience, the 2026 edition has all the makings of a can't-miss celebration of basketball’s best. Whether you're tuning in for the high-flying dunks, the deep threes, or just to see which team takes home the crown, one thing’s for sure - the stars will be shining in Los Angeles.