The NBA All-Star Game format is undergoing significant changes, with reports indicating a shift towards a pickup-style tournament structure. Instead of the previously rumored four-team setup, the new format will feature two semifinal games played to 40 points each, followed by a championship game played to 25 points.
The upcoming 2025 NBA All-Star Game is set to take place on Feb. 16 at the Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center. The tournament will involve three All-Star teams of eight players each, along with the winner of the Rising Stars Challenge.
The Rising Stars Challenge, a four-team tournament for rookies, sophomores, and G League standouts, will feed into the All-Star Game lineup. Notable players from last year’s Rising Stars competition included Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, and Paolo Banchero.
Coaching staff from the top two teams in each conference will lead the All-Star tournament teams, according to reports. Potential coaches for the Eastern teams include Kenny Atkinson and Joe Mazzulla, while Steve Kerr and Mark Daigneault are slated for the Western teams.
The changes to the All-Star Game come in response to the lack of competitiveness in last year’s event, prompting NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to prioritize enhancing both competition and entertainment for fans.
Additionally, the NBA All-Star Weekend may feature an expanded version of the NBA versus WNBA 3-point challenge, with players like Caitlin Clark and Klay Thompson rumored to participate.