You've never seen an NBA All-Star Game like this. Not only is the annual event moving to NBC and Peacock, but it's also tipping off much earlier-5:00 p.m. ET-because of the ongoing Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.
But the biggest change is happening on the court: The NBA's new 3-team, round robin tournament replaces the traditional 48-minute game. Confused? You are not alone, but we've got you covered.
Read on for everything to know about this weekend's 2026 NBA All-Star Game and events-including full rosters, how to watch and a complete explanation of the new format.
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What time does the 2026 NBA All-Star Game start?
Because of NBC's Winter Olympics coverage-plus the new four-game format-the 2026 NBA All-Star Game has a significantly earlier start time than in previous years. The action starts at 5:00 p.m. ET.
How to watch and stream the game
You can watch the game on NBC or you can stream it live if you have a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription.
What is the new USA vs. World format?
Instead of one 48-minute match, the 2026 NBA All-Star Game will feature a three-team round-robin tournament. The teams are as follows:
Team World: The league's best international players
USA Stars: The top next-gen American hoopers
USA Stripes: The elite NBA veterans
The event consists of four mini-games. Each of the first three games will be played as a single 12-minute quarter.
Game 1: Team World vs. USA Stars
Game 2: USA Stripes vs. the Winner of Game 1
Game 3: USA Stripes vs. the Loser of Game 1
The Finals: The two teams with the best records will face off in the Championship Game. (If every team finishes with a 1–1 record, the two finalists will be determined by point differential.)
The Stakes: To encourage competition, each player on the winning team will take home $125,000.
Who is playing in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game?
USA Stars
Anthony Edwards - Minnesota Timberwolves
Cade Cunningham - Detroit Pistons
Chet Holmgren - Oklahoma City Thunder
Devin Booker - Phoenix Suns
Jalen Duren - Detroit Pistons
Jalen Johnson - Atlanta Hawks
Scottie Barnes - Toronto Raptors
Tyrese Maxey - Philadelphia 76ers
USA Stripes
Brandon Ingram - Toronto Raptors
De'Aaron Fox - San Antonio Spurs
Donovan Mitchell - Cleveland Cavaliers
Jalen Brunson - New York Knicks
Jaylen Brown - Boston Celtics
Kawhi Leonard - Los Angeles Clippers
Kevin Durant - Houston Rockets
LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers
Note: Steph Curry was voted a starter, but will not play due to injury.
Team World
Alperen Şengün - Houston Rockets
Deni Avdija - Portland Trail Blazers
Jamal Murray - Denver Nuggets
Karl-Anthony Towns - New York Knicks
Luka Dončić - Los Angeles Lakers
Nikola Jokić - Denver Nuggets
Norman Powell - Miami Heat
Pascal Siakam - Indiana Pacers
Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs
Note: Karl-Anthony Towns and Norman Powell were originally on the USA Stripes roster, but following Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's injuries, they moved to Team World in order to balance the tournament.
Who is performing at the 2026 NBA All-Star game?
John Tesh
The Long Island native will perform "**Roundball Rock"**-his iconic NBA on NBC theme song-before the game starts.
Sarah McLachlan
Sarah McLachlan-who hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia-will sing the Canadian National Anthem, "O Canada."
Brandy
The triple threat singer, songwriter and actress will perform the U.S. National Anthem.
Who is competing in the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest today?
Carter Bryant - San Antonio Spurs
Jaxson Hayes - Los Angeles Lakers
Keshad Johnson - Miami Heat
Jase Richardson - Orlando Magic
One notable absence this year is three-time slam dunk champion Mac McClung, who declined to participate while he focuses on signing a long-term NBA contract.
Who is in the NBA All-Star 3-Point Shootout today?
Devin Booker - Phoenix Suns
Kon Knueppel - Charlotte Hornets
Damian Lillard - Portland Trail Blazers
Tyrese Maxey - Philadelphia 76ers
Donovan Mitchell - Cleveland Cavaliers
Jamal Murray - Denver Nuggets
Bobby Portis - Milwaukee Bucks
Norman Powell - Miami Heat
When are the Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Shootout?
The 2026 Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Shootout will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The start time is much earlier so that it does not conflict with NBC's coverage of the Winter Olympics.
How to watch and stream the Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Shootout
The competitions will air live on NBC and Peacock.
Next up: LeBron James' Net Worth in 2026 and How the Basketball Superstar Became a Billionaire
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