Archive · 12 Nov 2025
NBA All-Star Game to Feature World Team vs. Two US Teams
The NBA is changing how its All-Star game works for its 75th celebration.
Instead of just one game, it will be a mini-tournament with three teams.
Two teams will be made up of American players, and one team will be all international players.
These teams will play against each other in short games.
This new idea is because players already play in ways that don't always stick to old positions, like having many guards on the court.
Some former players think this is exciting because it lets the very best players be chosen, no matter if they are a guard or a big man.
However, some worry that taller players, known as big men, might have a harder time being picked because there are so many skilled guards in the league right now.
The league will pick 24 players, with a goal of 16 Americans and 8 international players, but the commissioner can adjust this to make sure there are enough players for each team.
The 75th NBA All-Star Game will feature a three-team tournament: two US teams and one World team.
The tournament will take place on February 15 at the Intuit Dome, hosted by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Player selection will prioritize the best players, regardless of traditional positions, to form the teams.
Retired stars Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter offered differing perspectives on the new positionless selection process.
A minimum of 16 US players and 8 international players are expected, with potential adjustments by the commissioner.
- Who
- NBA
- What
- Announced a new format for the 75th NBA All-Star Game featuring two United States teams and one World team competing in a round-robin tournament.
- When
- February 15
- Where
- Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California
- Why
- To showcase global talent and embrace positionless basketball, with the goal of selecting the best players.
Arguments For Positionless All-Star Selection
Concerns for Big Men in Positionless Selection
Player Selection Philosophy
Arguments For Positionless All-Star Selection
Retired NBA star Carmelo Anthony supports the new format, stating players are accustomed to positionless basketball and that the best players should be chosen regardless of position, bringing excitement and culture back to the game.
Concerns for Big Men in Positionless Selection
Retired NBA star Vince Carter expresses concern that talented big men may find it harder to qualify for the All-Star Game due to the prevalence of multi-skilled playmakers and great guards in the league.
- Event
- 75th NBA All-Star Game
- Date
- February 15
- Location
- Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
- Host
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Format
- Three-team round robin tournament (2 US teams, 1 World team)
- Game Structure
- Four 12-minute quarters in the tournament
- Team Composition
- Minimum of 8 players per team (24 total: 16 US, 8 International)