NBA All-Star Game Format Criticized by Commissioner

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged that the 2025 All-Star Game format was a significant disappointment, despite attempts to revitalize the event with a mini-tournament structure featuring three teams of All-Stars and a Rising Stars team. The format, which aimed to enhance competitiveness, failed to deliver engaging content, resulting in a 13% drop in viewership. Criticism centered on the lack of defense and excitement, prompting Silver to admit that the event was a 'miss' and that the league would return to the drawing board for future improvements. Comparisons were made to the NHL's successful Four Nations Face-Off, which featured intense competition. Silver also mentioned potential international competition ideas for future All-Star weekends but expressed uncertainty about their viability. The 2026 All-Star Game will see a change in broadcaster from TNT to NBC, coinciding with the Winter Olympics coverage.