NBA All-Star Game Set for a Major Shake-Up in 2026

The NBA All-Star Weekend has been losing its spark for years, and fans have definitely noticed. From load management to a lack of motivation and little incentive to win, the All-Star Game just hasn’t hit like it used to. Add in the fact that players see the weekend as a chance to relax, not grind, and it’s clear why the midseason classic has lost its shine.

Now, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is ready to bring the heat back.

During a recent appearance on Fox Sports One’s morning show “Breakfast Ball,” Silver dropped a major announcement: the 2026 NBA All-Star Game will air on NBC, marking the league’s return to the network for the first time in over 25 years. And that’s not all—he teased a bold new twist that could bring fans back in a big way.

“It so happens we will be dead smack in the middle of the Winter Olympics, and the fact that it’ll be on NBC… So what better time to feature some form of USA versus the world?” Silver explained.

The commissioner said they’re still finalizing the format but are taking notes from the NHL, which has seen success with similar international matchups. The 2026 All-Star Game will be played in the afternoon, surrounded by Olympic programming, creating a global sports celebration.

Silver also credited last summer’s intense Olympic basketball games, including standout performances from stars like Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, for inspiring the change. That kind of energy and national pride could be just what the All-Star Game needs to reignite excitement.

Stay tuned—it looks like the All-Star Game might finally be worth watching again.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver says next year’s All-Star game in Los Angeles will feature a USA vs. the World game 🇺🇸🌎

(via @BrkfstBallOnFS1)pic.twitter.com/DKi5t7QbTg

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 4, 2025