NBA All-Star Game 2026: New Plans and Player Changes

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is coming to Los Angeles with new TV channels, NBC and Peacock. There are also changes to how the game will be played. Some star players might not play because they are hurt.
By Newsroom | Basketball, USA |

The 75th NBA All-Star Game is set to take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. This year's event features a notable shift in broadcast partners, with NBC and Peacock carrying the main events, a move not seen for over two decades. Several new formats are being introduced for various competitions, alongside the traditional showcase of the league's top talent. However, recent team selections and injury reports suggest potential adjustments to expected lineups.

The NBA’s biggest American and international stars will square off in the 75th NBA All-Star Game, the signature event of NBA All-Star Weekend.

Event Overview and Broadcast Details

The NBA All-Star Weekend encompasses multiple events leading up to the main game. These include the Rising Stars Challenge, All-Star Saturday Night (featuring skills competitions like the Three-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest), and the marquee All-Star Game itself.

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NBA All-Star Game 2026: How to watch, who's playing, where to stream free and more - 1

  • All-Star Game: Scheduled for Sunday, February 15, at 5 p.m. ET, broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

  • All-Star Saturday Night: Takes place on Saturday, February 14, at 5 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

  • Rising Stars Challenge: Events are scheduled for Friday, February 13, with specific matchups and times detailed below.

  • NBA Celebrity All-Star Game: This event will be broadcast on ESPN.

Peacock is expected to offer: Live game coverage, Alternate camera angles, Supplemental All-Star Weekend content. A subscription is required to stream.

This year marks NBC's return to airing the NBA All-Star Game after more than a twenty-year hiatus, aiming to connect with longtime fans. Live streaming will also be available on platforms that carry NBC, contingent on local affiliate availability.

Format Innovations and Rosters

Significant changes have been implemented for the 75th NBA All-Star Game, moving away from the traditional East vs. West conference format. The primary game will now operate under a three-team, four-game tournament structure.

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NBA All-Star Game 2026: How to watch, who's playing, where to stream free and more - 2

  • Tournament Play: This new format features three teams: Team USA Stars, Team USA Stripes, and Team World.

  • Game 1: Team A vs. Team B.

  • Game 2: Team Vince vs. Team T-Mac.

  • Game 3: Team USA Stripes vs. Team World.

  • Game 4: Championship Game between the winners.

  • Selection Process: Rosters for these teams have been announced. However, reports indicate that player injuries may necessitate roster adjustments. Notable absences or potential changes could affect team compositions for key events.

  • Injury Reports: Information suggests players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Team World) and Steph Curry (Team USA Stripes) may be impacted by injuries, potentially altering their participation.

  • Team Captains/Mentors: Some events, like the Rising Stars Challenge, appear to have designated mentors or captains. Carmelo Anthony has been associated with explaining the new format, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, along with his brothers, is noted for coaching duties in at least one capacity.

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A new three-team, four-game format featuring the USA Stars, USA Stripes and World Teams for the 75th NBA All-Star Game.

Competition Details and Streaming Options

Beyond the main All-Star Game, the weekend features several competitive events, each with its own format and broadcast plan.

  • Rising Stars Challenge: This event is structured into multiple games featuring distinct teams.

  • Game 1: Team Melo vs. Team Austin.

  • Game 2: Team Vince vs. Team C.

  • Game 3: The losing team from Game 1 plays Team C.

  • Game 4: The winning team from Game 1 plays Team C.

  • All-Star Saturday Night: This evening showcases individual skill competitions. The exact rules and participants for the Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest are typically detailed closer to the event, though general formats involving multiple rounds and eliminations are expected.

  • Streaming Access: While NBC and Peacock are the primary broadcasters for major events, live TV streaming platforms carrying NBC will also provide access. Peacock offers supplementary content, including alternate camera views and additional features, accessible with a subscription.

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The game will also be available on live TV streaming platforms that carry NBC, including: Availability depends on your local NBC affiliate.

Unanswered Questions and Emerging Details

As the event draws closer, certain aspects of the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend remain subject to confirmation and potential alteration.

  • Roster Finalization: With reported injuries to key players, the definitive lineups for several events are not yet immutable. Further announcements regarding player replacements or status updates are anticipated.

  • Tie-Breaking Procedures: For the new tournament format, tie-breaking scenarios, such as point differential across round-robin games if multiple teams finish with the same record, have been outlined but may require application depending on game outcomes.

  • Celebrity Game Specifics: While the Celebrity Game is confirmed for ESPN, details regarding its specific format, coaches, and announcers are presented as distinct from the main NBA events.

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Team rosters: injuries and first-time NBA All-Stars Injuries to star players like Shai Gilgeous Alexander (Team World) and Steph Curry (Team USA Stripes) have already impacted the teams’ rosters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the 2026 NBA All-Star Game?
The game is on Sunday, February 15, 2026. It will be in Los Angeles, California.
Q: What is new about the game this year?
The game will be shown on NBC and Peacock, which hasn't happened in a long time. The game will also have a new way of playing with three teams instead of two.
Q: Will all the star players be there?
Some top players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Steph Curry might miss the game because they are hurt. The teams might change.
Q: How can I watch the game?
You can watch the main events on NBC and Peacock. Some other TV streaming services that show NBC might also have it.