In an effort to refresh the event and increase competitiveness, Commissioner Adam Silver has approved a new format featuring Team USA vs. Team World. Instead of the traditional East vs. West matchup, the 2026 All-Star Game will feature three teams competing in a round-robin format — two U.S.-based teams and one international “World” team made up of non-American players.

The format will include a total of four games, each lasting 12 minutes. The new structure is designed to increase intensity, create fresh matchups and highlight the league’s growing global influence.

Before Sunday’s All-Star Game, however, fans can expect a full weekend of events — including the always popular All-Star Saturday Night.

Here’s everything you need to know.

NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 Full Schedule

The NBA All-Star Game 2026 will take over Inglewood, California, from February 13 to February 15, bringing three days of basketball, celebrity culture, and live entertainment to the Los Angeles area. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome, this year’s All-Star Weekend is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile midseason events in recent NBA history.

What Is NBA All-Star Weekend?

NBA All-Star Weekend is the league’s annual midseason showcase. It combines exhibition basketball with skills competitions, celebrity appearances, and entertainment-focused production. Unlike the NBA Finals or playoffs, the emphasis is on fun, star power, and fan engagement, making it one of the league’s most widely watched global events.

The 2026 edition carries extra significance, as it marks one of the first major global sporting events hosted at Intuit Dome, the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Read more:

- The Latest Guide to Watch Live NBA Games in the U.S, Canada, UK, And Australia

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NBA All-Star 2026 Full Schedule (U.S. Eastern Time)

(All times Eastern. Check local listings for your time zone.)

NBA All-Star 2026 Full Schedule

How to Watch NBA All-Star 2026

In the United States, All-Star Weekend will air nationally through the NBA’s official broadcast partners, with streaming available via league-approved digital platforms. Final broadcast confirmations are typically announced during All-Star week.

Fans can also follow live stats, highlights and social coverage through NBA.com and official team channels.

2026 Slam Dunk Contest Participants

The Slam Dunk Contest features four players in a two-round competition.

Round 1

• Each player performs two dunks.

• The top two scorers advance.

Final Round

• Each finalist performs two additional dunks.

• Highest cumulative score wins.

Participants

• Carter Bryant (Spurs)

• Keshad Johnson (Heat)

• Jaxson Hayes (Lakers)

• Jase Richardson (Magic)

The contest remains heavily dependent on first-attempt finishes. Missed dunks can quickly drain momentum and scoring potential. Clean execution usually separates the winner.

2026 3-Point Contest Field

This year’s 3-Point Contest features an elite mix of All-Stars and past champions.

Notable names include:

• Devin Booker (2018 champion)

• Damian Lillard (2023, 2024 champion)

• Tyrese Maxey

• Donovan Mitchell

• Jamal Murray

• Norman Powell

• Bobby Portis

• Kon Knueppel

Lillard has a chance to tie the all-time record of three 3-Point Contest titles, currently shared by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.

Four players are making their contest debut: Kon Knueppel, Maxey, Murray and Portis. Knueppel, notably, could become the first rookie to win the event.

The format includes:

• Five racks around the arc

• Money balls worth extra points

• Two deep-range specialty shots

• Top three advance to the final round

In today’s NBA, this event often feels like the most authentic representation of the modern game.

NBA Shooting Stars Competition

The Shooting Stars event returns with a two-round format.

• All four teams compete in Round 1.

• Top two advance to the final.

• Each team has 1 minute and 10 seconds to shoot from seven spots.

• Three teammates rotate attempts.

• Highest score wins.

Team All-Star

• Chet Holmgren (Thunder)

• Scottie Barnes (Raptors)

• Richard Hamilton

Team Cameron

• Jalen Johnson (Hawks)

• Kon Knueppel (Hornets)

• Corey Maggette

Team Harper

• Dylan Harper (Spurs)

• Ron Harper Jr. (Celtics)

• Ron Harper Sr.

Team Knicks

• Jalen Brunson (Knicks)

• Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)

• Allan Houston

The mix of current stars, legends and family connections adds personality to the event.

Understanding Common NBA Betting Types

For fans engaging with All-Star Weekend through sportsbooks, here’s a quick breakdown.

Moneyline

Pick the outright winner.

• Negative odds = favorite

• Positive odds = underdog

Example:

• -200 means you must bet $200 to win $100.

• +150 means a $100 bet wins $150.

Point Spread

A handicap designed to balance uneven matchups.

Example:

• -7.5 means the favorite must win by 8+.

• +7.5 means the underdog can lose by 7 or fewer and still cover.

If the result lands exactly on the spread, it’s a push.

Over/Under (Totals)

Bet on the combined number of points scored.

If the total is 220.5 and the final score is 225, the Over wins.

Why 2026 Feels Different

The USA vs. World format reflects the NBA’s global evolution. International stars now dominate MVP conversations, scoring titles and playoff races. This structure acknowledges that shift.

If the 12-minute game format increases pace and competitiveness, it could redefine the All-Star Game’s future.

All-Star Weekend has always been about entertainment. In 2026, it’s also about experimentation.

And for the first time in years, Sunday night might actually feel unpredictable.