2026 NBA All-Star Game to debut new US vs. World format

DUBAI: Basketball fans asked for it, and the National Basketball Association delivered — the 2026 NBA All-Star Game will debut a new US vs. World format.

Taking place at the Intuit Dome in California on Sunday, Feb. 15, one world and two US teams will take part in a round-robin tournament of four 12-minute games, bringing renewed intensity to All-Star Weekend. The event will air at 2 a.m. GST, giving fans in the Middle East a chance to watch the action live.

The NBA’s recent innovations have helped pave the way for the change. The Steph Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu three-point contest at the 2024 All-Star Weekend was a major success and generated huge television and social media viewership, proving fans’ hunger for fresh formats and new energy. The U.S. vs. World concept is expected to follow the same path.

The new approach reflects the reality of today’s NBA. Nearly a quarter of the league’s players come from outside the US and the last eight MVPs were all born abroad.

Global stars are shaping the league more than ever. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada) is the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic (Serbia) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) remain dominant forces, Victor Wembanyama (France) is living up to the hype and Luka Doncic (Slovenia) continues to play at an elite level. Depending on roster needs, Joel Embiid (Cameroon, France, USA) and Austin Reaves (Germany eligibility) could also add valuable depth to the World team.

However, the international squad faces one potential challenge. Many of its top players are dominant big men or forwards, which could leave them exposed to the speed and movement of the two US teams. If the American squads push the tempo, attack in transition and use smaller, faster lineups, they could