In an exciting announcement that promises to revolutionize the annual showcase, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have unveiled a brand-new format for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, set to be held in the San Francisco at the Chase Center on February 16, 2025.
Breaking away from tradition, this year’s All-Star Game will feature a dynamic mini-tournament with four teams competing in three games, aiming to deliver unparalleled excitement and competitive spirit to the fans.
Deron Williams builds the perfect NBA player: From Curry’s shooting to LeBron’s leadership
The 24 NBA All-Star selections will be divided into three teams, each comprising eight elite players. The fourth team will emerge from the Castrol Rising Stars game, showcasing the top first- and second-year NBA players alongside standout talents from the NBA G League.
The twist that everyone was hoping for
Adding a unique twist to the festivities, the teams will be named after TNT NBA analysts and honorary team general managers Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. These basketball legends will draft their respective teams live on TNT during the highly anticipated NBA All-Star Draft on February 6, 2025.
The fourth team, affectionately dubbed Team Candace, will be led by TNT analyst and WNBA icon Candace Parker, fresh off her induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. The tournament will consist of two high-octane semifinal games and a thrilling championship showdown.
The winner of each game will be the first team to reach or surpass 40 points, ensuring fast-paced and intense competition. With a substantial prize pool of $1.8 million at stake, each player on the championship-winning team will receive $125,000, the second-place team players will take home $50,000 each, and the players on the third- and fourth-place teams will earn $25,000 each.
This innovative format is designed to inject new life into the All-Star Game, fostering greater engagement and showcasing the incredible talents of the NBA’s brightest stars. Fans are eagerly awaiting the draft and the tournament, anticipating a weekend filled with unforgettable moments and electrifying performances.