NBA All-Star Game 2024: How to Watch US vs. World, Rosters & Start Time
- The NBA All-Star Game is getting a global makeover this year.
- The shift reflects the increasing internationalization of the NBA, a league now dominated by talent from across the globe.
- Players have been divided into three teams: USA Stars, USA Stripes, and Team World.
The NBA All-Star Game is getting a global makeover this year. For the 75th edition of the annual showcase, the league is ditching the traditional East vs. West format in favor of a U.S. Versus the World matchup, tipping off on at . The game will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock, marking NBC’s return as the All-Star Game’s broadcast home after a long hiatus.
The shift reflects the increasing internationalization of the NBA, a league now dominated by talent from across the globe. Recent MVP awards – the last seven, in fact – have gone to international players, a trend underscored by the inclusion of stars like Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Victor Wembanyama on Team World. This isn’t simply a symbolic gesture; it’s a recognition of the league’s evolving demographics and the growing influence of international players on the game.
This year’s format goes beyond a simple U.S. Vs. World split. Players have been divided into three teams: USA Stars, USA Stripes, and Team World. The competition will unfold as a round-robin tournament, with four 12-minute games leading to a winner-take-all final to determine the 75th All-Star champion. The league has experimented with various formats in recent years, including player-led drafts and the “Elam Ending,” but this new structure represents the most significant overhaul in quite some time.
The rosters are stacked with talent. Team Stripes boasts a lineup including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard, while Team Stars features rising stars like Devin Booker, Cade Cunningham, and Anthony Edwards. Team World, meanwhile, will showcase the international contingent, led by Jokić and Dončić. However, the teams aren’t quite at full strength. Giannis Antetokounmpo of Team World is sidelined due to injury, with De’Aaron Fox added to Team Stripes and Norman Powell stepping in to fill the void on Team World. Stephen Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are also unavailable due to injury.
The game will take place at the brand-new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the home of the Los Angeles Clippers. The arena, which opened last season, has quickly become a highly regarded venue, and will be the focal point of the basketball world for the weekend. The Clippers’ new home has already garnered positive reviews from both fans and players, setting the stage for a memorable All-Star Game experience.
The All-Star Game isn’t the only event drawing attention. Damian Lillard won his record-tying third 3-Point Contest on Saturday, even while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. Keshad Johnson also made a splash, winning the Slam Dunk Contest. These events, alongside All-Star Media Day, have built anticipation for the main event.
The league’s decision to air the game on NBC marks a return to its former broadcast partner after a long run on TNT. For viewers looking to stream the game, Peacock is the destination, though it doesn’t currently offer a free trial. Alternatives for live streaming include DirecTV, which offers a five-day free trial, and Hulu + Live TV.
The NBA has been tinkering with the All-Star Game format for years, seeking a balance between entertainment and competitive spirit. From the conference clash to the player-captain drafts and the Elam Ending, the league has consistently sought ways to revitalize the mid-season exhibition. This year’s U.S. Vs. World format is the latest attempt to inject new life into the event, capitalizing on the league’s increasingly global appeal.
Viewership for the 2025 All-Star Game reportedly dipped 13 percent from the previous year, drawing 4.7 million viewers – the second-lowest since 2000. The league is undoubtedly hoping that the new format will attract a wider audience and reignite interest in the All-Star Game. Whether the U.S. Vs. World concept will succeed in boosting ratings remains to be seen, but it represents a bold move by the NBA to adapt to the changing landscape of the sport.
The full rosters are as follows:
Team Stripes: Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Kevin Durant, De’Aaron Fox, Brandon Ingram, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell. Coach: Mitch Johnson.
Team Stars: Scottie Barnes, Devin Booker, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Anthony Edwards, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Johnson, Tyrese Maxey. Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff.
Team World: Deni Avdija, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Norman Powell, Alperen Sengun, Pascal Siakam, Karl-Anthony Towns, Victor Wembanyama. Coach: Darko Rajaković.