NBA All-Star Game 2025: the new format is official
For the first time in history, the NBA All-Star Game will feature a four-team mini-tournament with single-elimination games and a hefty prize pool
The NBA, in collaboration with the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association), has announced an entirely new format for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, which will take place on February 16 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, home of the Golden State Warriors.
For the first time in history, the event will be structured as a four-team mini-tournament with single-elimination games.
The New All-Star Game Format
The event will consist of three games: in the first semifinal, two All-Star teams will face off, while in the second, the third All-Star team will compete against the Rising Stars team.
The winners of the two semifinals will battle for the title in the final. Each game will end when one of the two teams reaches or exceeds 40 points.
The Teams and General Managers
The 4 participating teams will be composed as follows:
- 3 All-Star teams: The top 24 NBA players will be divided into 3 teams, each managed by a TNT legend and analyst: Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith
- 1 Rising Stars team: The champion of the Castrol Rising Stars, the event showcasing the best rookies, sophomores, and G-League talents, which will take place on February 14. The GM of this team will be Candace Parker, WNBA legend and TNT analyst
Prizes and Incentives
The 4 teams will compete for a total prize pool of $1.8 million:
- Each player on the winning team will receive $125,000
- Players on the runner-up team will receive $50,000 each
- Players on the third- and fourth-place teams will earn $25,000 each
All-Star Game Voting
Voting to select the 24 All-Stars will begin on December 19 and conclude on January 20. Fans can vote via the NBA App and the official website NBA.com.
As usual, the starters will be chosen through a mix of fan votes (50%), NBA players (25%), and media (25%). NBA coaches will select the reserves.
Key Voting Dates:
- Voting updates: January 2, 9, and 16.
- Starters announced: January 23 on TNT.
- Reserves announced: January 30 on TNT.
All-Star Game Coaches
The All-Star teams will be led by the coaches of the NBA franchises with the best records in their respective conferences as of February 2. Additionally, an assistant coach from these teams will coach the Rising Stars champion team.
An Event Not to Miss
With an innovative format, the 2025 NBA All-Star Game promises unprecedented excitement and competition. The new tournament structure, the presence of legends as GMs, and an enticing prize pool will make the event a must-watch for all basketball fans.
The NBA All-Star Game will air live on TNT at 8:00 PM ET. Anticipation is already running high!