The NBA is once again reimagining its marquee midseason event, and this time, it’s going international. According to sources close to ESPN, the league and the players union have proposed a bold new format for the 2026 All-Star Game: a round-robin tournament featuring three eight-player squads: two representing the United States and one representing the rest of the world.
Gone are the days of East vs. West or Team LeBron vs. Team Giannis. The proposed format introduces a Ryder Cup-style competition, where each team will face the others in short, high-intensity matchups. Each game will consist of 12-minute quarters, designed to keep the pace brisk and the energy high.
The two USA teams and one World squad would play each other in 12-minute per quarter, Ryder Cup-style games, sources said. Governors, team executives and players discussed the format positively within the Competition Committee meeting on Wednesday. https://t.co/tS5GsA0BaW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 3, 2025
This isn’t the NBA’s first attempt to revitalize the All-Star Game. In recent years, the league has experimented with captain-led drafts, target scores, and mini-tournaments. But with fan engagement waning and criticism mounting over the lack of competitiveness, the NBA is betting big on a format that celebrates both national pride and global talent.
The inclusion of a World team is more than symbolic, it’s a nod to the international explosion of talent in the NBA. With stars like Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominating the league, the World squad could rival any Team USA lineup in star power and skill.
Meanwhile, the two USA teams will draw from a deep pool of American talent, likely featuring All-Star regulars such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, and Devin Booker. The split into two squads adds a layer of intra-national rivalry that could spark fresh dynamics and storylines.
The 2026 All-Star Game is scheduled to take place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on February 15. With the Winter Olympics happening concurrently, the NBA’s international twist feels timely and strategic. Commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged the overlap, hinting that the global format may be a deliberate move to align with the spirit of international competition.
The NBA’s Competition Committee reportedly responded positively to the proposal, and early fan reactions range from excitement to skepticism. Some applaud the creativity and global inclusivity, while others worry the constant format changes are diluting the event’s identity.
Still, if executed well, this could be the most compelling All-Star Game in years; a true celebration of the league’s diversity, athleticism, and evolving global reach.
