Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo Advocates for Major Change to NBA All-Star Game Format

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Borba | Last updated May 26, 2025 8:15 PM ET

The NBA currently has a significant issue with an event that should be one of its biggest attractions year in and year out.

What should be an instance of the league's best players going at one another and teaming up with players they normally don't play with, it has turned into a glorified walk-through.

The event in question is in the NBA All-Star game. They tweaked the format this season, attempting to pull off a mini-tournament that featured four teams playing against one another in three games. The format saw three teams of eight players each selected by TNT's Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith, while the other team was comprised rookies and sophomores who won the Castrol Rising Stars event.

Even with the games playing to 40 points rather than a full game, the players' effort level wasn't exactly there, and the response from fans indicated it was another dud. As the league looks for a new solution, two-time NBA MVP and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo provided his idea on Monday.

The Athens, Greece native suggested that the league move to a Team USA versus Team World game, pitting the best American players against the best international players.

This should be next year All Star Game format!! Must see basketball https://t.co/OFtmk6JNxW
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) May 26, 2025

While this idea may not have worked in years past with fewer international stars, this seems like the perfect time to attempt it. The last seven NBA MVPs have been international players, with Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keeping the streak alive this year.

With support from Antetokounmpo, who has been an All-Star every season since 2017, it could end up being a format that the players can get behind.

Although they are very different sports and leagues, the NHL saw tremendous success with this year's 4 Nations Face-Off, with the final between Canada and the United States attracting 16.1 million viewers.

For reference, the NBA's All-Star game averaged just 4.7 million viewers, which, according to Front Office Sports, is the second-least-watched NBA All-Star game to date.

Many of the issues stem from the lack of buy-in from the players, so it may be worth attempting Antetokounmpo's method. If not, the NBA could be in a position where scrapping the game becomes more likely.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: