NBA All-Star Game Unveils New Format and Matchups for February Showdown

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 12, 2025 — The NBA has officially announced the semifinal matchups for its 2025 All-Star Game, introducing a mini-tournament format for the event set for Sunday, Feb. 16, at 8 p.m. ET on TNT. The new structure will feature four teams competing in three games, each aiming to be the first to reach 40 points.

In the opening match, Kenny Smith‘s ‘Young Stars’ will face off against Chuck Barkley‘s ‘Global Stars,’ while Shaquille O'Neal‘s ‘OGs’ will battle Candace Parker‘s ‘Rising Stars’ in the second semifinal. The winners of both games will advance to the championship round.

This year’s All-Star format marks a departure from tradition as the NBA aims to enhance engagement and entertainment value. ‘While an All-Star draft is nothing new, this mini tournament will spice things up,’ Shaquille O’Neal commented, expressing confidence in his team ahead of the matchups.

Each team in the All-Star Game will consist of eight players, drafted by TNT’s Inside the NBA commentators Barkley, O’Neal, and Smith, who will also serve as honorary general managers. Parker will oversee the roster of the team representing the Rising Stars champion.

The All-Star selections will be divided into three teams which will be filled by players voted as starters and reserves. Voters comprise fans (50%), current NBA players (25%), and a media panel (25%). In each conference, the reserves will be chosen by NBA head coaches.

The tournament also features a total prize pool of $1.8 million, with $125,000 earmarked for each player on the championship-winning team. Second-place players will receive $50,000, while those on the third and fourth place squads will be awarded $25,000 each.

Kevin Hart, the comedy superstar and four-time NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP, will serve as the first-ever on-court emcee for the All-Star Game. ‘My goal is to bring humor and energy to the game while engaging with players and fans alike,’ Hart stated. The game will be held at the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, and will reach fans globally in 60 languages.

The All-Star Game format was revamped following mixed reactions to last year’s event. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver remarked, ‘I’ve talked to Steph [Curry] and many of the perennial All-Stars. None of them were proud of what you saw last year. They all recognize that the fans want to be entertained.’ This change seeks to provide a more engaging experience for both players and fans.