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NBA Considering Massive Change To All-Star Game In 2026

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 4:46 PM ET

The NBA experimented with a new format for the All-Star Game this year after criticism of the traditional East-West game. Fans and analysts complained that the regular game had degraded into a glorified layup line, with little defense to resemble an actual NBA contest.

For the 2025 season, the league tried a mini tournament where four teams of All-Stars played in three shorter games. The concept was intended to promote a more competitive atmosphere, but reactions from fans, current players and former stars were mixed.

The league is reportedly considering another big change for the 2026 game in Los Angeles, and it's a version of an idea that many fans have wanted to see for years.

According to the Sports Business Journal, the league is considering a slight adjustment to this year's format with a dedicated "International" team and team of "snubs" - players who just missed out on being officially selected as All-Stars.

When drafting his team for the All-Star game this year, Charles Barkley attempted to gather many of the league's international stars like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

After the men's basketball tournament at the 2024 Olympics was well received, the NBA may want to capitalize on the idea of "America vs. the rest of the world."

The snub team would add an interesting element to the event, because they would essentially be playing for the right to be represented as official All-Stars by winning the entire tournament.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and Shaq's OGs and James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers and Shaq's OGs celebrate a basket during the 74th NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center on February 16, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The All-Star game has seen several format changes in the last several years as the league attempts to revitalize the event. The same can be said for all three nights of All-Star Weekend, a spectacle that doesn't seem to have the same appeal to younger audiences.

This year's All-Star Game was panned by young fans, older fans and sports media personalities on both sides of the divide. Draymond Green, likely to join NBA media in an official capacity when he retires, openly criticized the game on TNT's set during halftime.

Sports Business Journal says that the NBA will meet with NBC ahead of its final decision, as the network will reclaim rights to the All-Star Game for the first time since 2002.

We'll see if attempting to capture the magic of the Olympics at the All-Star Game is the right move.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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