All Star Weekend 2026 will take place from February 13 to February 15, 2026, with the NBA All-Star Game played on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
When is All Star Weekend 2026 is a key question for NBA fans planning around the league’s most celebrated midseason event. All Star Weekend 2026 is officially scheduled for February 13 through February 15, 2026, with the NBA All-Star Game set for Sunday, February 15, 2026. The three-day event will take place in Los Angeles, California, with the spotlight on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, the newest arena in the NBA.
This year’s All Star Weekend carries added significance, marking the 75th NBA All-Star Game, introducing a new competition format, and showcasing the league’s continued global growth.
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Confirmed Dates for All Star Weekend 2026
The NBA has locked in the dates for All Star Weekend 2026, following its traditional February placement on the league calendar.
- Friday, February 13, 2026
- Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Sunday, February 15, 2026
The All-Star Game on Sunday night will serve as the grand finale of the weekend and one of the most watched NBA events of the season.
Host City and Main Venue
All Star Weekend 2026 will be hosted in Los Angeles, with most major events centered in Inglewood, California.
The Intuit Dome will host the NBA All-Star Game and select headline events. This will be the first time an NBA All-Star Game is played at the Intuit Dome, making it a milestone moment for the league and the city.
Additional events, fan experiences, and basketball showcases will be spread across nearby venues throughout the Los Angeles area, creating a city-wide celebration.
Why All Star Weekend 2026 Is a Major Milestone
Several factors make this edition of All Star Weekend especially important.
- It marks the 75th anniversary of the NBA All-Star Game
- It debuts a new international-focused game format
- It highlights a brand-new NBA arena
- It reflects the league’s expanding global player base
Together, these elements position 2026 as one of the most talked-about All Star Weekends in recent history.
All-Star Game Format for 2026
The NBA has confirmed a new All-Star Game format designed to increase competitiveness and international appeal.
Key details include:
- Three teams total
- Two teams made up of U.S. players
- One team featuring international players
- A round-robin tournament structure
- Shorter games leading to a final championship matchup
This structure replaces the previous captain-draft and conference-based formats and places a stronger emphasis on national pride and global representation.
Complete Daily Schedule Breakdown
Friday, February 13, 2026
Friday opens All Star Weekend with events that focus on emerging talent and entertainment.
Expected Friday highlights include:
- Rising Stars Game featuring first- and second-year NBA players
- Celebrity Game featuring athletes and entertainment figures
- HBCU Classic and community basketball initiatives
- Opening fan festivals and interactive experiences
Friday sets the tone for the weekend and attracts fans interested in the future of the league.
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Saturday is traditionally the most energetic night of All Star Weekend.
Events scheduled for Saturday include:
- NBA Skills Challenge
- Three-Point Contest
- Slam Dunk Contest
- Live entertainment and fan engagement activities
Saturday night events consistently draw some of the highest television ratings of the entire NBA season.
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Sunday is the main attraction.
The NBA All-Star Game will take place at the Intuit Dome, featuring the league’s top players competing under the new tournament-style format.
The game also serves as the symbolic midpoint of the NBA season, signaling the start of the playoff push.
All-Star Player Selection Process
Players selected for the 2026 All-Star Game are chosen through a combined voting system.
- Fan voting accounts for half of the starter selection
- Current NBA players and media members split the remaining portion
- Coaches select reserve players for each team
Final rosters are announced shortly before All Star Weekend, generating widespread discussion and debate among fans.
Tickets and Fan Access
All Star Weekend 2026 offers a broad range of ticket options designed to accommodate different budgets, schedules, and fan preferences. Whether attending a single showcase event or planning to experience the entire weekend, fans will have multiple ways to access the festivities.
Single-event tickets allow fans to attend specific attractions such as the Rising Stars Game, Saturday night competitions, or the NBA All-Star Game itself. These options are ideal for visitors with limited time or those focused on one signature event.
For fans looking for a more immersive experience, multi-day All Star Weekend packages provide access to several events across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. These packages often include priority seating, bundled pricing, and entry to select fan festivals and interactive activities throughout the weekend.
Premium seating and hospitality options are also available for those seeking an elevated experience. These offerings may include courtside or lower-bowl seating, exclusive lounges, premium food and beverage service, and enhanced venue access designed to deliver a high-end event atmosphere.
In addition, fans can participate in exclusive access experiences that go beyond game attendance. These may include interactive fan zones, behind-the-scenes activities, player appearances, and special NBA-themed events that highlight the league’s culture and history.
Because Los Angeles is a high-demand destination, particularly during major sporting events, early planning is strongly recommended. Securing tickets, lodging, and transportation well in advance can help fans avoid limited availability, higher prices, and last-minute logistical challenges during All Star Weekend 2026.
What Fans Should Expect in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is expected to welcome tens of thousands of visitors during All Star Weekend 2026, turning the city into a nonstop hub of basketball, entertainment, and cultural activity. With major events concentrated in and around Inglewood, fans attending in person should be prepared for a fast-paced, high-energy environment throughout the weekend.
Traffic congestion will be heavier than usual, especially near the Intuit Dome and surrounding neighborhoods. Road closures, ride-share demand, and limited parking will make travel times longer, particularly during evening events. Using public transportation, planning routes in advance, and allowing extra time between activities can help reduce stress.
Fans should also expect enhanced security measures at all official venues. Bag policies, metal detectors, and staggered entry times may be in place, which can lead to longer lines before events. Arriving early is strongly recommended to avoid missing any on-court action or fan experiences.
Entertainment districts across Los Angeles will be crowded and energetic. Popular restaurants, nightlife spots, and shopping areas are likely to reach capacity quickly, especially after evening events. Reservations and early planning will be important for fans looking to explore the city beyond the games.
In addition, extended wait times are common at major attractions and fan zones during All Star Weekend. Interactive exhibits, merchandise areas, and player appearances often draw long lines due to high demand.
While Los Angeles has the size, experience, and infrastructure to handle large-scale events, advance planning makes a noticeable difference. Fans who prepare transportation, lodging, and schedules ahead of time will be best positioned to enjoy everything All Star Weekend 2026 has to offer without unnecessary delays or frustration.
Impact on the NBA Season
All Star Weekend marks the official midpoint of the NBA season, serving as a natural dividing line between the early grind and the decisive final stretch of the schedule. By the time All Star Weekend concludes on February 15, teams across the league have a clear picture of their strengths, weaknesses, and realistic postseason outlook.
After the break, franchises shift their focus sharply toward playoff positioning. Contenders begin fine-tuning rotations, emphasizing consistency, chemistry, and matchup advantages against potential postseason opponents. Coaches rely more heavily on proven lineups, while experimental combinations seen earlier in the season become less common.
Player workload management also becomes a central priority. Teams carefully monitor minutes, recovery schedules, and injury prevention strategies, especially for star players expected to carry heavy responsibilities in April and May. Veterans often see adjusted playing time, while younger contributors may be asked to take on larger roles to preserve overall team health.
Roster decisions grow increasingly strategic and urgent during this period. Front offices evaluate trade outcomes, midseason acquisitions, and depth concerns, using the weeks following All Star Weekend to determine which players fit long-term plans and which roles need adjustment. Contract situations and playoff eligibility also come into sharper focus.
At the same time, the race for postseason seeding intensifies. Small winning streaks can lead to major jumps in the standings, while brief slumps can push teams into play-in territory. Every game carries added weight, especially within tightly contested conferences.
For fans, All Star Weekend represents a reset point—a moment to reflect on standout performances, emerging stars, and team trajectories before the league enters its most competitive and emotionally charged phase. Once the festivities end, the NBA season shifts into high gear, with urgency, pressure, and playoff drama building night after night.
Quick Facts: All Star Weekend 2026
- Dates: February 13–15, 2026 — The official three-day span for All Star Weekend, with fan experiences, skills competitions, and community events spread throughout the weekend.
- All-Star Game: Sunday, February 15, 2026 — The culminating event of the weekend and the 75th edition of the NBA All-Star Game, featuring the league’s top players in a dynamic new format.
- Host City: Los Angeles, California — A major entertainment hub and frequent All Star Weekend host, offering world-class venues, attractions, and fan culture throughout the city.
- Main Venue: Intuit Dome, Inglewood — The brand-new home of the Los Angeles Clippers, debuting as an NBA All-Star venue with state-of-the-art fan amenities, innovative technology, and enhanced viewing experiences.
- Edition: 75th NBA All-Star Game — A historic anniversary edition celebrating three-quarters of a century of All-Star basketball heritage, culture, and global recognition.
- Game Format: U.S. vs World round-robin tournament — A fresh and engaging competition structure featuring two U.S. teams and one international team facing off in short, fast-paced games that build to a final championship matchup.
- Timing Notes: The weekend’s events span multiple days, beginning with emerging talent showcases on Friday, skills and creativity competitions on Saturday, and the All-Star Game and fan festivities on Sunday.
- Fan Experiences: Throughout the weekend, fans can participate in interactive basketball activations, immersive cultural exhibits, concerts, celebrity appearances, and community outreach programs that extend beyond traditional game action.
- National Coverage: The All-Star festivities will be broadcast across major U.S. television platforms with live streaming options and extensive national media attention, making it accessible to fans who can’t attend in person.
- Travel & Attendance: Los Angeles is expected to draw thousands of visitors, with significant local tourism events, coordinated city-wide activations, and heightened visitor services to accommodate fans attending from across the country.
Why Interest Is Higher Than Ever
Interest in All Star Weekend 2026 is stronger than it has ever been, and there are several compelling reasons why fans, media, and casual viewers are buzzing about this year’s celebration. First, the 75th anniversary of the NBA All-Star Game gives this edition a milestone feel, turning it into a historic celebration of three quarters of a century of elite basketball and memorable moments. The league is embracing that heritage with special programming, anniversary tributes, and fan experiences that honor past legends while spotlighting the stars of today.
At the same time, the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, a cutting-edge new arena and the permanent home of the Los Angeles Clippers, is hosting the event for the first time. Its advanced technology, premium fan amenities, and architectural design elevate the viewing experience for fans attending in person and make the venue itself a part of the All-Star narrative. The attraction of seeing the league’s top talent play in a brand-new sports cathedral has added excitement on its own.
The new U.S. vs. World game format is also a major driver of interest. Instead of the traditional All-Star format, 2026 introduces a round-robin competition featuring two teams of American players and one international team, giving the game a fresh sense of competition and a clear storyline that resonates with fans who want more meaningful action. Early voting trends have highlighted the growing engagement of fans, who are actively supporting their favorite players and contributing to lively discussions about team compositions and national pride.
Beyond the on-court product, the weekend is expanding into culture, music, fashion, and technology, blending basketball with pop culture in ways that appeal to broader audiences. The event now includes interactive fan festivals, immersive lifestyle activations, live concerts, and community programs that attract not just traditional sports fans but also people interested in entertainment and cultural experiences. With All Star Weekend positioned as both a sporting spectacle and a cultural destination, interest has surged across longtime supporters, casual viewers, and international audiences alike — reinforcing the NBA’s role as a global sports leader and making February 13–15 an event that transcends basketball fandom.
All Star Weekend 2026 promises three days of elite basketball, entertainment, and celebration, making February 13–15 a must-watch stretch for fans across the United States.
Which event or player are you most excited to see during All Star Weekend 2026? Share your thoughts and stay connected for updates as the weekend approaches.
