The NBA is going back to the drawing board. After experimenting with a four-team mini-tournament at this year’s All-Star Weekend, Commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed that the format will not return in 2026. The league, in partnership with new broadcast partner, is now exploring alternatives to reinvigorate an event that has struggled with competitiveness in recent years.
“We’re not there in terms of creating an All-Star experience that we can be proud of and our players can be proud of,” Silver admitted. The 2026 All-Star Game, set to be played in Inglewood, California, will feature a new structure, though details remain undecided.
The 2024 edition attempted to inject intensity by introducing a target-score format and including a team of rookies and sophomores who earned their spot by winning the Rising Stars event. However, the concept failed to generate the spark the league had hoped for. A nearly 20-minute in-game stoppage to honor TNT’s broadcast crew also disrupted momentum, further dampening the event’s energy. “It was well-intentioned,” Silver said, “but it didn’t work for anyone.”
Despite the tournament’s shortcomings, some players appreciated the league’s willingness to innovate. “I think it was a good step in the right direction,” said All-Star MVP Stephen Curry. However, with fans and players divided on the format, the NBA is now considering fresh ideas.
One potential alternative is a U.S. vs. International format, which has been discussed in previous years. With the 2026 game coinciding with the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, such a setup could align well with the global sporting landscape. Whatever the final decision, the NBA looks determined to restore the All-Star Game’s prestige and competitive edge.
