NBA All-Star Weekend 2026: New Tournament Style Game and Fun Events

This year's NBA All-Star Weekend will have a new format for the main game, turning it into a mini-tournament with four teams. The exciting Slam Dunk Contest and fun Celebrity Game are also back. See how the stars compete!
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend promises a departure from tradition, featuring a revamped All-Star Game format that shifts from a single exhibition to a mini-tournament. Alongside this, staple events like the Slam Dunk Contest and Celebrity Game are set to return, offering a diverse array of on-court action and entertainment for fans globally. The weekend's structure, combined with the introduction of new competitive elements, signals a move towards a more comprehensive showcase of basketball talent and skill.

Slam dunks, global games, emerging stars: What to watch on All-Star Weekend - 1

Global Stage and Team Formations

This year's All-Star Weekend is distinguished by a broadened scope, encompassing international players and a tournament-style All-Star Game. This shift aims to elevate the competitive intensity while acknowledging the league's global reach.

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  • Tournament Structure: The All-Star Game has been transformed into a three-game tournament. This involves four teams competing in two semifinal matchups and a championship game.

  • Initially, the format was described as a USA vs. World setup with three teams. One team was designated for top international players, while others featured American talent.

  • A potential structure involved Team A playing Team B in Game 1, with the winner advancing to face Team C. The loser of Game 1 would then play Team C in a subsequent game.

  • Specific team themes were noted, including a squad featuring Ron Harper Sr. and his sons, Dylan and Ron Jr.

  • Elimination Criteria: If all three teams end up with one win and one loss after Game 3, the team with the lowest point differential would be eliminated. However, the winner of this mini-tournament will not advance to play in the main All-Star Game.

Feature Events and Participants

Beyond the transformed All-Star Game, key weekend events are set to engage audiences with high-octane competition and celebrity appeal.

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  • Slam Dunk Contest: This Saturday night event remains a cornerstone of the weekend.

  • Participants: Emerging talents like Jase Richardson, son of Jason Richardson, are slated to participate. Richardson, a rookie for the San Antonio Spurs, is noted for his physical profile, including a reported 40-inch vertical leap.

  • Format: The AT&T Slam Dunk will consist of two rounds, with judges scoring each dunk. This event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 14th, at 5 p.m. ET as the third event of the evening.

  • Legacy: Mac McClung is highlighted for his role in revitalizing the contest, having achieved multiple victories, a feat he shares with Nate Robinson. His explosive athleticism and creative dunks are anticipated.

  • Celebrity Game: Kicking off the weekend's festivities on Friday, the celebrity game will feature notable personalities. Giannis Antetokounmpo, though sidelined from the All-Star Game due to injury, is expected to coach in this event.

Player Adjustments and Injury Concerns

Recent developments have led to changes in player participation for the main All-Star Game, notably the withdrawal of a prominent star due to injury.

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  • Antetokounmpo's Withdrawal: Giannis Antetokounmpo has been replaced in the NBA All-Star Game by De'Aaron Fox. Antetokounmpo has not played since sustaining a calf injury on January 10th. Despite his inability to compete in the All-Star Game, he is still expected to support his Team World teammates and assist in coaching the Celebrity Game. His absence marks the end of a ten-season streak of All-Star selections for him as a starter.

Broadcast and Viewing Information

Multiple platforms will provide coverage for the various events throughout the weekend.

  • Venues: The main All-Star Game will be held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The Kia Forum in Inglewood will host the Celebrity Game.

  • Broadcast Channels: Events will be aired across channels including ESPN, TNT, TruTV, NBA TV, and streaming services like ESPN+ and Max. Specific events, such as the Slam Dunk Contest, are scheduled for broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

Expert Opinions and Event Significance

Analysts are weighing in on the anticipated outcomes and the overall impact of the weekend's format changes.

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  • Picks and Predictions: Experts have offered predictions for various contests. For instance, Jeremy Woo has tabbed Team World as the favorite in a hypothetical matchup. The general consensus among experts points towards an exciting display of dunks, global talent, and emerging stars.

Conclusion and Implications

The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend is structured to be a dynamic and multifaceted event, moving beyond a singular exhibition game to a more elaborate tournament. The inclusion of international players and a multi-game format for the All-Star Game signals an evolution in how the league celebrates its stars. Key events like the Slam Dunk Contest continue to be a draw, showcasing athletic prowess and showmanship. Player availability, particularly with Antetokounmpo's injury, introduces shifts in team dynamics. The weekend's programming is designed for broad accessibility across various broadcast and streaming platforms, ensuring a wide audience can follow the action.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is new about the NBA All-Star Game this year?
The main All-Star Game is now a small tournament with four teams playing in semifinal and final games.
Q: Will the Slam Dunk Contest and Celebrity Game still happen?
Yes, both the popular Slam Dunk Contest and the fun Celebrity Game will take place during the weekend.
Q: Who replaced Giannis Antetokounmpo in the All-Star Game?
De'Aaron Fox will play in the All-Star Game instead of Giannis Antetokounmpo because Giannis has a calf injury.
Q: Where will the events be held?
The main All-Star Game is at the Intuit Dome, and the Celebrity Game is at the Kia Forum, both in Inglewood, California.