The 2026 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles is expected to feature two Team USA rosters and one Team World roster. ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to report.
Seeking change to add intrigue to a game that’s lost its luster over the years, the format is likely to include a round robin tournament consisting of three eight-player squads. The games are expected to be four quarters with 12 minutes each.
Over the last few years, the competitive spirit of the All-Star Game has become a major concern. The hope is pitting USA against the World will add a level of competition stemming from pride and bragging rights.
Last year’s game also included a tournament format featuring four teams. Three teams were selected by Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. The fourth team emerged from the Rising Stars Game. The winner of each game was the first to 40 points.
There was a competition committee meeting Wednesday that came to some positive conclusions about the newly proposed format.
Is Having 8 International All-Stars Too Few?
Two team USAs and one Team World means there will be 16 American All-Stars and eight Europeans.
In an initial debate about Team USA vs Team World, there was concern about having too few spots for Americans.
Looking back, there were six international players and 18 Americans in last year’s game. The year before had five internationals and 19 Americans. The most number of international players to feature in an All-Star game to this point is eight in both 2023 and 2020.
Among those who immediately come to mind are Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama. If healthy enough, Joel Embiid would be an automatic choice. Other notable names include Karl-Anthony Towns, Pascal Siakam, Alperen Sengun and Rudy Gobert. That’s 10 names already.
The likes of Franz Wagner, Jamal Murray and Kristaps Porzingis have one All-Star appearance among them.
Based on past history, one would have to say the balance appears right.
Injuries usually have an impact as well. Antetokounmpo missed last year’s game. If anything, this may actually increase the odds for players such as Murray and Wagner to make their first All-Star appearance.
