How to watch the 2026 NBA All-Star Game: Stream info, time, teams, format explained, preview
NBA All-Star 2026: Viewer’s Guide to the New USA vs. World Format
The NBA’s midseason classic has arrived in Inglewood, but the 2026 edition looks drastically different from the traditional East vs. West matchups of the past. Hosted at the Clippers’ state-of-the-art Intuit Dome, Sunday’s showcase features a radical format overhaul designed to capitalize on the league’s global talent boom and the return of the NBA to NBC.
Here is everything you need to know to watch the 75th NBA All-Star Game.
How to Watch
For the first time since 2002, the All-Star Game returns to network television on NBC. Coverage begins on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. ET. Cord-cutters can stream the entire event live on Peacock. The broadcast team features Noah Eagle and Reggie Miller, bringing a mix of fresh energy and nostalgic familiarity to the call.
The New Format: USA vs. World Tournament
Gone is the four-quarter exhibition. The 2026 event introduces a three-team round-robin tournament. The rosters are divided into Team World, Team USA Stripes (veterans), and Team USA Stars (rising talent).
* Round Robin: The three teams will compete in abbreviated mini-games.
* The Final: The two teams with the best records (or point differential tiebreakers) advance to the Championship Game to determine the winner.
The Rosters and Storylines
The narrative centers on international dominance. Team World is the heavy favorite, anchored by three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, superstar Luka Dončić, and San Antonio phenomenon Victor Wembanyama, who is making his second All-Star appearance.
They face a divided American field. Team USA Stripes features the old guard, led by LeBron James in his record-extending 22nd selection, alongside Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard. Meanwhile, Team USA Stars highlights the league’s future, with guards like Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, and Jalen Brunson looking to prove they belong with the legends.
With the "Elam Ending" retired and a tournament structure in place, the league hopes this "World vs. USA" rivalry finally injects real competitive fire into Sunday night.
The NBA’s midseason classic has arrived in Inglewood, but the 2026 edition looks drastically different from the traditional East vs. West matchups of the past. Hosted at the Clippers’ state-of-the-art Intuit Dome, Sunday’s showcase features a radical format overhaul designed to capitalize on the league’s global talent boom and the return of the NBA to NBC.
Here is everything you need to know to watch the 75th NBA All-Star Game.
How to Watch
For the first time since 2002, the All-Star Game returns to network television on NBC. Coverage begins on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. ET. Cord-cutters can stream the entire event live on Peacock. The broadcast team features Noah Eagle and Reggie Miller, bringing a mix of fresh energy and nostalgic familiarity to the call.
The New Format: USA vs. World Tournament
Gone is the four-quarter exhibition. The 2026 event introduces a three-team round-robin tournament. The rosters are divided into Team World, Team USA Stripes (veterans), and Team USA Stars (rising talent).
* Round Robin: The three teams will compete in abbreviated mini-games.
* The Final: The two teams with the best records (or point differential tiebreakers) advance to the Championship Game to determine the winner.
The Rosters and Storylines
The narrative centers on international dominance. Team World is the heavy favorite, anchored by three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, superstar Luka Dončić, and San Antonio phenomenon Victor Wembanyama, who is making his second All-Star appearance.
They face a divided American field. Team USA Stripes features the old guard, led by LeBron James in his record-extending 22nd selection, alongside Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard. Meanwhile, Team USA Stars highlights the league’s future, with guards like Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, and Jalen Brunson looking to prove they belong with the legends.
With the "Elam Ending" retired and a tournament structure in place, the league hopes this "World vs. USA" rivalry finally injects real competitive fire into Sunday night.
