The 2026 NBA All-Star Game takes place Feb 13‑15 at Los Angeles’ new Intuit Dome, featuring the first USA vs World matchup. Fans voted for five starters on each side, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum and Luka Dončić leading the United States, while Nikola Jokić, Joel Embiid and Luka Garza anchor the World roster. The weekend also introduces a target‑score fourth quarter and a packed fan‑experience schedule.
Starters Confirmed for USA and World Teams
USA Team Highlights
The United States squad includes perennial All‑Star powerhouses Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum and Luka Dončić, complemented by emerging talent Jamal Murray, who earned a starter spot after a surge of fan votes.
World Team Highlights
Representing the global side, the World team features NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, dominant center Joel Embiid (Cameroon) and rising European star Luka Garza of Poland.
Surprises and Notable Snubs
Two high‑profile players missed the starter list:
- Zion Williamson – Despite strong second‑half performances, limited early‑season visibility kept him off the USA roster.
- Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander – The Oklahoma City guard, a career‑high scorer, was omitted from the World team entirely.
USA vs World Format and New Rules
The All‑Star Game will follow a four‑quarter, 12‑minute structure. The first three quarters use standard NBA rules; the fourth quarter adopts a “target score” format, where the first team to reach 200 points wins, eliminating overtime.
All‑Star Weekend Schedule
- Saturday, Feb 13 – Opening ceremonies, Rising Stars Challenge, and Skills Challenge featuring the new All‑Star Relay.
- Sunday, Feb 14 – Three‑Point Contest with an updated Money‑Ball round and Slam Dunk Contest themed around global culture.
- Monday, Feb 15 – The All‑Star Game followed by NBA Cares community outreach in Los Angeles.
Season Implications of Selections
The starter lineup underscores the continued dominance of established MVP candidates for the United States, while the World roster highlights the NBA’s expanding international talent pool. Snubs of Williamson and Gilgeous‑Alexander may spark debate over the balance between fan popularity and on‑court performance.
What to Expect in 2026
Fans can anticipate a high‑energy showdown between the USA and World squads, innovative rule tweaks, and a weekend packed with events that celebrate basketball’s global reach. Whether cheering for familiar stars like Giannis and Jokić or rooting for under‑dog narratives such as Jamal Murray’s rise, the 2026 All‑Star Game promises to be a defining moment for the league.
