The NBA has proposed a new All-Star Game format: two American teams versus one World team in a round-robin style.

On September 4th Beijing time, ESPN reporter Shams revealed that the 2026 NBA All-Star Game could use a round-robin system with two American squads and one World squad, each having 8 players. Insiders mentioned that the NBA and players’ association presented this format to the Competition Committee on Wednesday, which was met with favorable responses.

Sources also indicated that the two American teams and one World team would compete in a Ryder Cup-style format, with each quarter lasting 12 minutes. Team owners, executives, and players actively discussed this format during the Competition Committee meeting.

In June this year, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced on FS1 that the 2026 All-Star Game would feature a matchup between Team USA and the World Team.

Actually, as early as late April, Silver hinted that the league was considering a USA vs. World format for the All-Star Game. When asked if this idea would come to fruition in 2026, Silver responded, “Yes. Next year, as part of our new media deal, the All-Star Game will return to NBC, where it was broadcast during our youth. Coincidentally, next season overlaps with the Winter Olympics.”

“The game will air on NBC, and on the day of the event, the Winter Olympics will kick off the broadcast. After the All-Star Game—which will now be held in the afternoon instead of the evening—there will be more Olympic coverage. So, what better timing to host a USA versus World matchup?”

In the 2024-25 season, the NBA introduced a new All-Star format where TNT analysts selected players to form four teams competing in a mini-tournament. This format included two semifinals followed by a final between the semifinal winners.

This new format was not well received by players or fans. Meanwhile, the NHL’s Four Nations tournament gained great popularity, overshadowing the NBA All-Star Game. This Olympic-style hockey event features top players from the USA, Canada, Sweden, and Finland.

Inspired by the success of the NHL’s new All-Star format, the NBA conceived the idea of Team USA versus the World. Top players like Spurs star Wembanyama and Bucks star Giannis have expressed support for this setup. Warriors forward Draymond Green and others have admitted the All-Star Game sometimes needs a “refresh” and pointed out the NHL’s Four Nations event as a model worth noting.

During the NBA Paris Games in January, Silver said, “It’s not that we can’t find solutions, but if we want a fair All-Star selection process—choosing half the players from 30% and the other half from 70%—that might seem unfair to players. So, this is one of the issues we’re considering.” It now appears that the two American teams plus one World team round-robin is the league’s proposed solution.

The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend will be held in Los Angeles from February 14 to 16, Beijing time.