In a bold move to shake up the NBA’s annual showcase event, the league has announced a tournament-style format for the 2025 All-Star Game. Held at the Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center, the revamped weekend will feature four teams of eight players each, with NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith serving as honorary general managers.
A New Era for the NBA All-Star Game
The 2025 edition marks a significant departure from the traditional East vs. West format, promising to inject fresh excitement into the event. According to sources close to the league, the decision to overhaul the All-Star Game came after extensive discussions between NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, who advocated for a more competitive and engaging format.
We wanted to create an All-Star experience that truly showcases the incredible talent and competitive spirit of our players. This new format will deliver exciting matchups, foster team camaraderie, and provide fans with an unforgettable weekend of basketball.
– Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
The Tournament Structure
The All-Star tournament will consist of two semifinal games, with the winners advancing to the championship match. Each contest will be played to a target score of 40 points, ensuring fast-paced, high-stakes action. The four teams—Team Shaq, Team Chuck, Team Kenny, and the Rising Stars champion squad—will compete for a prize pool of $1.8 million, with the winning team members each receiving $125,000.
Rising Stars Take Center Stage
In another twist, the Rising Stars event, showcasing the league’s top first- and second-year players along with NBA G League standouts, will serve as a qualifier for the All-Star tournament. WNBA legend Candace Parker will serve as the honorary general manager for the victorious Rising Stars team, dubbed “Team Candace.”
The Rising Stars event has always been a highlight of All-Star Weekend, and now these young stars have the chance to prove themselves against the best in the league. It’s going to be a thrilling addition to the tournament.
– Candace Parker, Team Candace Honorary GM
Star-Studded Sidelines
With Shaq, Barkley, and Kenny Smith at the helm of their respective teams, fans can expect plenty of friendly banter and strategic maneuvering during the All-Star draft. The trio, known for their lively analysis on TNT’s Inside the NBA, will undoubtedly bring their signature humor and competitive spirit to the event.
A Weekend to Remember
In addition to the All-Star tournament, the weekend will feature a range of exciting events across the Bay Area:
- The Celebrity Game and Rising Stars tournament at Oakland Arena
- All-Star practice and the NBA HBCU Classic at the Oakland Arena
- All-Star Saturday Night, including the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest at the Chase Center
The NBA All-Star Weekend has always been a celebration of basketball culture and community. By expanding the festivities across the Bay Area, we’re inviting fans to experience the excitement in new and unique ways.
– Rick Welts, Golden State Warriors President and COO
The Road to All-Star Glory
As anticipation builds for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, fans can participate in the voting process to select the starters for each conference. The remaining players will be chosen by NBA head coaches, with the All-Star draft set to take place on Feb. 6.
With a new format, legendary honorary general managers, and a weekend packed with exciting events, the 2025 NBA All-Star Game promises to be an unforgettable celebration of basketball’s brightest stars. As the league continues to innovate and evolve, one thing remains certain: the future of the NBA is brighter than ever.
