What time is the 2026 NBA All-Star Game? What's new this year? - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Dan LoumenaFebruary 11, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The highly anticipated 2026 NBA All-Star Game is set to take place on Sunday at 2 p.m. PST in the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. This year marks a significant change in the format of the game, as it will feature a four-game mini-tournament involving three teams: two U.S.-based teams and one international team. The event promises to bring more excitement and competition, with each game lasting 12 minutes and a round-robin format determining the finalists.
For the first time, the All-Star Game will include 30 players divided into Team USA Stars and Stripes, each consisting of eight players, and Team World, featuring nine international players. The top five vote-getters in fan voting, along with NBA player and media votes, secured starting spots, while reserves were selected by NBA coaches. To address the imbalance in international representation, Kawhi Leonard was added to Team USA after initially being placed on Team World.
The tournament format adds a layer of intrigue, as each team will play against the others in round-robin fashion. If two teams remain undefeated or if there’s a tie, a tiebreaker based on point differential will determine the final matchups. This new structure aims to create a more competitive and dynamic All-Star experience, with Team USA Stars and Stripes boasting star power like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, while Team World includes international sensations such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic.
This year’s event not only highlights the NBA’s commitment to innovation but also underscores its global appeal. The inclusion
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/11/2026