2026 NBA All-Star Game: USA vs. The World Brings New Energy to Intuit Dome
The NBA All-Star Game is getting a bold new look in 2026, and it's not just about flashy dunks or courtside celebrities. This time, it's personal - and international.
The league has scrapped the familiar East vs. West format in favor of a high-octane, three-team showdown: USA Stars, USA Stripes, and a stacked Team World.
The venue? The brand-new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, home of the Clippers, and now the epicenter of global basketball bragging rights.
This isn’t just an All-Star Game - it’s a four-game round-robin tournament that brings a fresh level of intensity to what used to be a midseason exhibition. With national pride and international dominance on the line, the stakes feel a little higher, the matchups a little more personal, and the energy a whole lot more electric.
Let’s break down what fans can expect from this new format and who’s suiting up for each squad.
🏀 Tip-Off Time and How to Watch
Date: Sunday, February 16
Start Time: 5:00 p.m.
ET | 2:00 p.m. PT
Location: Intuit Dome, Los Angeles
With four total games in the mix, the league is starting earlier than the usual primetime slot - a smart move to give each matchup its moment. The entire event will be broadcast on NBC, marking a return to the network that once defined NBA Sundays. If you're streaming, Peacock is your go-to platform.
Calling the action is a powerhouse broadcast crew. Noah Eagle, just 29, becomes the youngest play-by-play voice in All-Star history. He’ll be joined by a lineup that reads like a Hall of Fame reunion: Reggie Miller, Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Jamal Crawford - all bringing their unique blend of insight, storytelling, and big-game experience.
Prefer radio? SiriusXM NBA Radio (channel 86) has you covered with live coverage all weekend long.
🌍 Team World: Global Game, Global Stars
Let’s start with the international juggernaut. Team World is loaded with MVPs, All-NBA talent, and rising global icons. This squad isn’t just deep - it’s dangerous.
- Nikola Jokic (Nuggets): The two-time MVP and walking triple-double is the engine of this team.
- Luka Doncic (Lakers): LA’s newest star brings flair, vision, and a whole lot of clutch.
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): The 7’4” unicorn is already altering shots and expectations.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): One of the smoothest scorers in the league.
- Jamal Murray (Nuggets): A playoff-tested shot-maker with no fear.
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks), Pascal Siakam (Pacers), Deni Avdija (Blazers), and Giannis Antetokounmpo* (Bucks) round out a roster that’s as versatile as it is talented.
Coach: Darko Rajakovic (Raptors) brings international coaching experience and knows how to manage a team full of stars.
🇺🇸 USA Stripes: Veteran Firepower
If Team World is the future, USA Stripes is the present - and they’ve got the hardware to prove it.
- LeBron James (Lakers): Still going strong in Year 23, the King leads with experience and unmatched basketball IQ.
- Kevin Durant (Rockets): A walking bucket who can still take over any game.
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics) and Jalen Brunson (Knicks) bring toughness and two-way play.
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers) and Kawhi Leonard (Clippers) add scoring and lockdown defense.
- Brandon Ingram* (Raptors) and Norman Powell (Heat) round out a group that can stretch the floor and get stops.
Coach: Mitch Johnson (Spurs) takes the reins, and with this much veteran leadership, he’ll have plenty of voices in the huddle.
⭐ USA Stars: The Next Generation
This is the team for fans who love upside. USA Stars is a showcase of the league’s next wave - young, hungry, and ready to prove they belong on the biggest stage.
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves): Explosive, fearless, and already a fan favorite.
- Tyrese Maxey (76ers): One of the league’s fastest risers, with a motor that never quits.
- Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Devin Booker (Suns), and Cade Cunningham (Pistons) offer a mix of size, skill, and scoring.
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder): A 7-footer with guard skills and elite rim protection.
- Jalen Johnson (Hawks) and Jalen Duren (Pistons) bring athleticism and energy.
Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff (Pistons) gets the nod, and he’s familiar with this group’s development curve. Expect a fast-paced, high-flying style from this young squad.
🎯 What to Watch For
This new All-Star format does more than just shake things up - it gives us a glimpse into the NBA’s evolving identity. The international talent pipeline is stronger than ever, and Team World is no longer the underdog. Meanwhile, the USA squads are split between seasoned legends and future franchise faces, creating matchups we’ve never seen before.
The round-robin setup ensures every team plays twice, and with only one champion crowned, every possession matters. Whether it’s LeBron vs.
Luka, Wemby vs. Chet, or Jokic vs.
KD, the storylines are rich and the basketball should be even better.
So whether you’re tuning in for the highlight-reel dunks, the chess match between stars, or just to see who walks away with international bragging rights, this year’s All-Star Game promises something new - and something special.
Buckle up. The world is watching.