NBA All-Star Weekend Kicks Off with Celebrity Game and Rising Stars Challenge

OAKLAND, Calif. — The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend officially kicks off today in the Bay Area, featuring the highly anticipated Ruffles All-Star Celebrity Game and the Castrol Rising Stars Challenge. Fans can tune in tonight as the action unfolds at Oakland Arena and Chase Center, with the Celebrity Game starting at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Rising Stars at 9 p.m. ET, both airing on ESPN and TNT respectively.

This year’s festivities are positioned against the backdrop of a tumultuous NBA season, with fluctuating team performances and player health. The league has revamped its All-Star events in an effort to rejuvenate fan interest, especially with a distinct change in the format of the All-Star Game itself, which is now structured as a mini-tournament rather than a traditional showdown.

Four teams, led by NBA legends Tim Hardaway, Chris Mullin, and Mitch Richmond, will vie for the coveted fourth spot in the All-Star Game scheduled for Sunday. Winners of the Rising Stars Challenge will be granted the opportunity to compete in this weekend’s finale. Hardaway stated, “It’s a fantastic opportunity for these young players to show what they can do on the biggest stage.”

Alongside the Rising Stars Challenge, the Ruffles Celebrity Game promises entertainment beyond traditional basketball components, bringing together celebrities from sports and entertainment. Barry Bonds and 2 Chainz will coach one team, squaring off against Jerry Rice and Khaby Lame on the other. “It’s going to be a fun night showcasing some great talent,” remarked Lame. “These celebrities bring a different kind of energy to the court.”

The action continues on Saturday, Feb. 15, with State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, featuring the Skills Challenge, the 3-Point Contest, and the Dunk Contest. Highlighting the Dunk Contest is last year’s champion, Mac McClung, who aims to become the first to win three titles in a row.

“The energy in the Bay is electrifying, and I can’t wait to put on a show,” McClung declared as the competition approaches. His impressive performances have made him a fan favorite ever since his explosive debut in 2024.

As the NBA prepares for another thrilling All-Star Weekend, excitement among players and fans is palpable, with anticipation building for Sunday’s All-Star Game, set to be broadcasted live at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.