NBA Plans Three-Team Round-Robin Format for 2026 All-Star Game in Los Angeles

The NBA is planning to revamp the 2026 All-Star Game with a new three-team round-robin tournament format featuring two U.S. teams and one World team, each with eight players. This format was presented to the NBA Competition Committee and received positive feedback, aiming to boost competitiveness and fan interest after the 2025 game's four-team tournament and previous formats saw declining viewership and mixed reactions from players. Games will be played in 12-minute quarters, with the undefeated team taking the title, replacing last season's bracket-style competition that included Rising Stars players, which was unpopular with veterans. The 2026 event will be held on February 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles and broadcasted on NBC, coinciding with the Winter Olympics coverage to leverage a global audience. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged past All-Star formats as misses and expressed a desire for a format that players and fans can be proud of, while the inclusion of a global team aligns with the league's increasing international presence and star power. This new format reflects an effort to create a more engaging and competitive All-Star experience, capitalizing on the synergy with Olympic broadcasting and the international nature of the NBA today.