NBA commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed a new All-Star format for next season, featuring a USA vs. the world theme. This decision follows the disappointing All-Star tournament in February. The new format will debut on NBC, coinciding with the network’s return to NBA coverage under a new media rights deal and the Winter Olympics.
Silver announced the change while speaking on FS1’s “Breakfast Ball,” noting, “What better time to feature some form of USA against the world?” He admitted uncertainty about the exact format but mentioned drawing inspiration from the NHL’s successful Four Nations Face-Off tournament.
The NHL’s Four Nations Face-Off, featuring teams from the USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden, was well-received, contrasting sharply with the NBA’s four-team mini-tournament, which was widely criticized for its lack of competitiveness and entertainment value.
The NBA’s new format is expected to include a team of U.S. All-Stars facing an international team of All-Stars, potentially featuring top players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Dončić. The league hopes this change will inspire more competitive play and improve the All-Star game’s quality.