Over the past decade, the NBA has made several changes to the All-Star Game. In 2018, they introduced drafts and moved away from the traditional East vs West matchup.
The format began in 2018 and ended in 2023. In the 2024 All-Star Game, the NBA returned to the East vs West format. In 2025, there was a four-team mini tournament, with viewers dwindling considerably. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has announced that the league is discussing the idea of an international twist for next year’s All-Star Game.
The NBA is seriously considering the US and other world all-star formats
The NBA is considering the US vs. World format for next year’s All-Star Game, with Adam Silver
“We are discussing concepts with player associations that focus on NBA players representing countries and regions rather than the more traditional formats we used… pic.twitter.com/dxdugdwrwe
– nbacentral (@thedunkcentral) April 29, 2025
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spoke on Monday. Athletic. He acknowledged that the league is in discussions with the NBA Players Association and the NBC broadcast partners. Previously, the All-Star Game was covered by TNT. Silver said there was talk of a change in the All-Star game format for next season. He said there might be an international twist.
The twist that Silver mentions is the US vs. world all-star format. Adam Silver pointed out that next season’s All-Star Game will run directly in NBC’s Winter Olympics coverage. So Silver said the league will air the game in the afternoon rather than in the evening. This will allow NBC to directly track all-star game coverage at the pre-game Winter Olympics show.
Several players have expressed support for international competition between NBA players. These include Dalimond Green, Giannis Antetocomo and Victor Wenbagnama. International competition will boost things after a 13% drop in viewers from the 2024-25 All-Star Game. Adam Silver is constantly trying to improve the NBA, and the league is moving quickly to implement this new All-Star game format.