The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is just around the corner, set to take place at the Clippers’ new Intuit Dome on a Sunday afternoon. Although the event is several days away, the player rosters have been finalized and injury replacements announced, with Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox added as a recent substitute. This year, the NBA has switched up its format again, introducing an America vs. World setup featuring three teams competing in a round-robin mini-tournament. There are 28 All-Stars participating, organized into two American teams—the USA Stars and USA Stripes—and one international team called Team World.
The competition will consist of each team playing one game to determine who advances to the title match. The USA Stars squad features younger American talents like Scottie Barnes, Cade Cunningham, and Tyrese Maxey, while the USA Stripes include seasoned veterans such as Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Kawhi Leonard. The Team World roster is composed of NBA players from outside the United States, although some players with dual affiliations—like Karl-Anthony Towns and Norman Powell—were assigned to balance the teams. The first game pits the USA Stars against Team World, with the winner moving on to face USA Stripes in the second game. The loser from the opening game also faces USA Stripes in a third match. The two teams with the best records proceed to the final showdown, with point differential deciding any tiebreakers.
The All-Star festivities will begin at 5 PM EST and be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Prize money is at stake too, with players on the winning team earning $125,000, second place receiving $50,000, and third place $25,000.
Fan Take: This innovative three-team format breathes fresh life into the All-Star event, allowing fans to see a broader showcase of talent and new competitive dynamics. It raises the stakes and excitement for basketball lovers everywhere, potentially setting a trend for future All-Star weekends to be more engaging and inclusive of global stars.
