NBA discussing major change to All-Star Game format

The NBA is once again preparing to make big changes to the All-Star Game in a bid to make things more competitive and watchable.

The league is in talks to create a new tournament-style format for the 2025 All-Star Game, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. Under the proposed format, the game would function as a four-team tournament, featuring three All-Star teams of eight, plus the winner of the Rising Stars game.

The tournament format has become the preferred one for stakeholders, including team executives and players. Commissioner Adam Silver has worked for months on a new format, with input from players, coaches, and executives.

Last season’s game, a 211-186 win for the Eastern Conference, was the last straw for many, and Silver struggled to hide his disappointment with the lack of competition and defense on show. The commissioner has openly admitted that the game may not even be fixable, but he is determined to try.

The 2025 All-Star Game will be played on Feb. 16 at Chase Center in San Francisco.