The NBA All-Star Game underwent a significant format change this year, pitting American players against the rest of the world in a three-team tournament. The competition, held from to , 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, featured two teams comprised of American-born players – “Stars” and “Stripes” – and a third team representing international players, known as “World.”
The tournament structure involved a round-robin group stage where each team competed against each other, followed by a final match between the top two teams. A total of four games were played, each consisting of a single 12-minute period.
The initial contest saw a dramatic clash between the “World” and “Stars” teams, ultimately decided in overtime with a final score of 37-35 in favor of the American side. Scottie Barnes secured the win for the Stars with a crucial shot, while Anthony Edwards led the scoring with 14 points.
Victor Wembanyama of France was a standout performer for the World team, contributing 14 points. However, he visibly expressed his disappointment after the loss, engaging in animated self-directed conversation and gestures on the bench.
The second game pitted the two American teams, “Stars” and “Stripes,” against each other. After a closely contested battle, the “Stripes” emerged victorious with a score of 42-40. Jaylen Brown led the Stripes with 11 points, while Anthony Edwards and Cade Cunningham each scored 11 points for the Stars.
In the third match, the “Stripes” secured a decisive double-value win, defeating the “World” team 48-45. This victory not only propelled the Stripes into the tournament final but also eliminated the international team from contention. Kawhi Leonard delivered a remarkable performance for the Stripes, scoring 31 points and hitting the game-winning three-pointer. Wembanyama continued to shine for the World team, adding 19 points to his tally.
Notably, several prominent international players – including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – did not participate in the third game for the World team.
The final game proved to be a one-sided affair, with the “Stars” dominating the “Stripes” 47-21 to claim the All-Star Game title. Anthony Edwards was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament for his consistent performance throughout the competition.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, hosted at the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, also saw Matas Buzelis secure the Rising Stars tournament trophy.
This new format, designed to foster a USA versus World dynamic, provided a fresh and engaging spectacle for basketball fans. The tournament structure, with its round-robin stage and final match, added a layer of competitive intensity to the traditionally exhibition-style All-Star Game. The performances of players like Anthony Edwards, Victor Wembanyama, and Kawhi Leonard highlighted the global talent within the NBA, while the absence of key international players in certain matches raises questions about player participation and strategic considerations in future iterations of this format.
The success of this inaugural USA vs. World showcase will likely influence the future direction of the NBA All-Star Game, potentially leading to further experimentation with formats and team compositions to maximize both entertainment value and competitive spirit. The emphasis on a tournament structure, rather than a single exhibition game, appears to have resonated with players and fans alike, offering a more compelling narrative and a heightened sense of stakes.
