2025 NBA All-Star Weekend: New Tournament Format and Must-Watch Events

San Francisco, California – The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend has officially kicked off, taking place from February 14-16 at the Chase Center. This marks the first time the Bay Area has hosted the annual celebration since 2000, introducing exciting changes to invigorate the event.

This year, the All-Star Game features a new format that divides the players into three teams, each led by celebrated basketball icons. Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith have drafted teams of eight players each: Team Shaq, Team Chuck, and Team Kenny, while Team Candace, comprising the winner of the Rising Stars Challenge, rounds out the four teams.

On Sunday night, the All-Star tournament will commence with a semifinal round where Kenny’s Young Stars will face Chuck’s Global Stars and Shaq’s OGs will take on Team Candace. Each game will be played to 40 points, adding an element of urgency and excitement to the competition.

The NBA also announced that Sabrina Ionescu, former New York Liberty star, will participate in the festivities, aiming to elevate the spectacle of this year’s event. “We wanted to create a memorable experience, building off last year’s success,” said an NBA spokesperson regarding the decision to include her.

This weekend’s agenda also includes several fan-favorite events. On Saturday night, the All-Star Saturday Night will showcase the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest. Mac McClung, the two-time defending champion of the dunk contest, will look to make history with a third consecutive win, while Damian Lillard aims for his third title in the 3-Point Contest.

Rising Stars competition will see the best young talent divided into four teams: Team T, Team M, Team C, and Team G, competing for a spot in the All-Star tournament. The finalists for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will also be announced over the weekend.

In an effort to honor Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the HBCU Classic featuring Morehouse College and Tuskegee University returns for its fourth year, showcasing the rich history and talent from the institutions.

Additionally, the G League’s top prospects will participate in a mini-tournament, illustrating the deep pool of talent emerging in professional basketball.

For viewers wishing to catch the action, the 2025 NBA All-Star events will be broadcast on ESPN, NBA TV, TNT, truTV, and available for live streaming via platforms such as Sling and Tubi. Specific broadcast times vary throughout the weekend, with detailed schedules provided for fans deciding to tune in.

This year’s event promises to thrill fans not only with its competitive format but also with the richness of talent on display, making it a must-watch for NBA enthusiasts around the globe.