NBA shakes up All-Star Game again, confirms lineups in new three-team format
LeBron James, Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Victor Wembanyama headline the confirmed teams for the revamped showcase.
United States vs. the Rest of the World. That is the vision the NBA is rolling out for the 2026 All-Star Game. The league has now finalized the teams, with Kawhi Leonard announced as the last addition.
The NBA has revealed the full structure of its revamped All-Star event, detailing not only the format but also the players who will bring it to life. From the selection of starters to the handpicked reserves on each side of the league, the traditional East-West split has been reshaped to reflect a defining reality of today’s NBA: a global game, pitting American stars against the best talent from around the world.
The new setup is expected to remain in place if the concept proves successful. The three-team mini-tournament will be played in Los Angeles on February 15, a showcase designed to raise the competitive stakes of All-Star weekend.
Citizenship calls and roster adjustments
One of the first questions the league had to resolve involved player eligibility. Karl-Anthony Towns of the Knicks, who represents the Dominican Republic internationally, and Norman Powell of the Heat, who has Jamaican roots, both grew up in the United States. The NBA ultimately ruled that Towns would compete as part of the international team, while Powell would remain on Team USA.
That decision left one final roster spot open. With Los Angeles hosting the event, the league turned to the Clippers. Commissioner Adam Silver balanced the field by selecting Kawhi Leonard, who had previously been left out of the spotlight despite his recent play. Averaging 27.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.1 steals, Leonard’s strong impact over the past month made him impossible to ignore.
Coaches confirmed for the three teams
The NBA also announced the coaches for each squad, using a combination of regular-season wins and prior All-Star experience as guiding criteria.
The World team will be led by Darko Rajakovic of the Raptors, a Serbian native. Two American teams will represent the host city alongside the international side. Jalen Johnson of the Spurs will coach Stripes, while Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff will take charge of the remaining U.S. group, known as Stars.
2026 All-Star game lineups
Stripes (USA): Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Devin Booker (Suns), Cade Cunningham (Pistons), Jalen Duren (Pistons), Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Chet Holmgren (Thunder), Jalen Johnson (Hawks), Tyrese Maxey (76ers).
World: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers), Luka Doncic (Lakers), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Jamal Murray (Nuggets), Pascal Siakam (Pacers), Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs).
Stars (USA): Jaylen Brown (Celtics), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Kevin Durant (Rockets), LeBron James (Lakers), Kawhi Leonard (Clippers), Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), Norman Powell (Heat)
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