2026 NBA All-Star Game could see major format changes after viewership decline
The 2025 event in San Francisco had the second-least watched in 25 years. Here's the possible change in the format for next season.
The NBA All-Star Game, once a must-watch midseason spectacle, has seen a notable decline in viewership and fan interest in recent years.
The 2025 All-Star Game in San Francisco attracted only 4.7 million viewers across TNT, TBS, and TruTV, marking a 13% drop from the previous year. This made it the second-least-watched All-Star Game in the past 25 years.
Why is the NBA considering a format change for the 2026 All-Star Game?
To address these concerns, the NBA is exploring significant changes to the 2026 All-Star Game, set to take place in Los Angeles.
According to Sports Business Journal, the league is evaluating new ideas to increase competition and make the event more engaging for both players and fans.
One of the most talked-about proposals involves introducing a four-team tournament-style format, designed to bring more intensity to the game.
The 2026 All-Star Game will also mark NBC’s return as the official broadcaster of the event. This shift could bring a fresh production style and attract new audiences, as NBC has been absent from NBA coverage for over two decades.
The 2026 season is going to be in Los Angeles, California. Photo: ESPN
Which format is considering NBA for 2026 All-Star Game?
Reports suggest that the NBA is considering a four-team tournament, featuring different groups of elite players. The potential teams include:
- International All-Stars: Featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, and Kyrie Irving.
- Two Teams of U.S.-Born All-Stars: Dividing the top American players into separate squads.
- The "All-Star Snubs" Team: Comprising players who narrowly missed selection, giving them a chance to prove their worth on a national stage.
This new format aims to bring more competition and energy to the game. One of the biggest criticisms of recent All-Star Game has been the lack of defense and intensity.
By providing overlooked players an opportunity to compete against the league’s biggest stars, the NBA hopes to increase motivation and excitement on the court.
Mixed reactions from players and fans
While the proposal has sparked interest, not all players are in favor of the All-Star Snubs Team. When asked about the idea, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, who was left out of the 2025 All-Star roster, dismissed it with a simple "Nah."
Fans have had divided reactions, with some excited about a more competitive format, while others question whether these changes will truly restore the All-Star Game’s prestige.
Additional proposals to revamp All-Star weekend
Beyond the tournament-style format, the NBA is also exploring additional ways to boost engagement, including:
- Starting the game earlier to maximize prime-time viewership.
- Introducing a one-on-one competition, where top stars compete for a major cash prize.
- Enhancing fan interaction, allowing for more engagement with players.