NBA Rising Stars Challenge time, TV channel, live stream, rosters to watch 2026 All-Star Game event
The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend has descended upon Los Angeles, and the festivities begin with a showcase of the league’s most electrifying young talent. The Castrol Rising Stars challenge is set to christen the Intuit Dome for All-Star activities, marking the first time the LA Clippers’ state-of-the-art arena hosts the midseason classic. For fans eager to witness the next generation of superstars, this Friday night event promises a high-octane display of athleticism and skill in Inglewood.
How to Watch and Stream
The Rising Stars action is the marquee event for Friday, Feb. 13, with tip-off scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. In a significant shift for NBA media consumption under the new broadcasting rights, the tournament will be streamed exclusively on Peacock. Fans accustomed to traditional cable broadcasts must switch to the streaming platform to catch every lob and deep three. The event serves as the curtain-raiser for the 75th NBA All-Star Weekend, setting the tone for the events to follow on Saturday and Sunday.
The Tournament Format
The competition continues with the popular mini-tournament format that has successfully revitalized the Friday night slot. Four teams—comprised of premier NBA rookies, sophomores, and standout players from the NBA G League—will compete in a three-game bracket. The semi-final matchups will be played to a Final Target Score of 40, while the championship game will be a sprint to 25. This "Elam Ending" style ensures the night concludes on a made basket, guaranteeing a dramatic, game-winning moment rather than a clock run-out.
Rosters and Coaches to Watch
Friday night belongs to the breakout performers of the 2024 and 2025 draft classes. The rosters feature a mix of high-flying sophomores looking to cement their status and rookies eager to prove they belong among the elite. Guiding these young phenoms are NBA legends serving as honorary coaches, including Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady, adding a layer of historical prestige to the matchup. Additionally, the G League squad offers a unique look at prospects on the cusp of NBA stardom, providing a global stage for the "Up Next" generation to shine against established NBA talent.
How to Watch and Stream
The Rising Stars action is the marquee event for Friday, Feb. 13, with tip-off scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. In a significant shift for NBA media consumption under the new broadcasting rights, the tournament will be streamed exclusively on Peacock. Fans accustomed to traditional cable broadcasts must switch to the streaming platform to catch every lob and deep three. The event serves as the curtain-raiser for the 75th NBA All-Star Weekend, setting the tone for the events to follow on Saturday and Sunday.
The Tournament Format
The competition continues with the popular mini-tournament format that has successfully revitalized the Friday night slot. Four teams—comprised of premier NBA rookies, sophomores, and standout players from the NBA G League—will compete in a three-game bracket. The semi-final matchups will be played to a Final Target Score of 40, while the championship game will be a sprint to 25. This "Elam Ending" style ensures the night concludes on a made basket, guaranteeing a dramatic, game-winning moment rather than a clock run-out.
Rosters and Coaches to Watch
Friday night belongs to the breakout performers of the 2024 and 2025 draft classes. The rosters feature a mix of high-flying sophomores looking to cement their status and rookies eager to prove they belong among the elite. Guiding these young phenoms are NBA legends serving as honorary coaches, including Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady, adding a layer of historical prestige to the matchup. Additionally, the G League squad offers a unique look at prospects on the cusp of NBA stardom, providing a global stage for the "Up Next" generation to shine against established NBA talent.
