Adam Silver Announces 2026 All-Star Game Will Be USA Vs. World Format

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed a major change for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game: the format will feature Team USA versus Team World. The decision comes in response to fan and player dissatisfaction with the previous tournament-style format, and aligns with the global spotlight during the 2026 Winter Olympics. The All-Star Game, traditionally held in the evening, will be shifted to an afternoon slot to better coordinate with Olympic coverage. Though specific game logistics are still being finalized, Silver drew inspiration from the NHL’s successful international competition formats. Several international NBA stars, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama, have expressed excitement about the new format, noting it will bring a deeper sense of pride and competitiveness to the showcase. Antetokounmpo cited the thrill of competing against elite American players, while Wembanyama emphasized the meaningful stakes the new structure introduces. The league’s move also reflects the NBA’s increasingly global identity and a growing international fan base eager to see their favorite players represent their countries on a prominent stage.

Advertisements

Source: BET