All Star Game 2026 time: 75th All-Star tips at 5 p.m. ET in new U.S. vs. World format
The 75th All-Star Game will tip at 5 p. m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 15, ushering in a new era for the midseason showcase. The event — staged at the Intuit Dome — debuts a U. S. vs. World setup with three teams and a shortened-game, round-robin structure designed to keep the action fast and competitive.
What time is the All Star Game 2026 time and how the day is scheduled
Mark your calendars: the main event begins at 5 p. m. ET on Feb. 15. The earlier start is intended to dovetail with broader sports programming across the day. Pre-game activity includes an All-Star press conference at 2: 30 p. m. ET featuring LeBron James, one of the weekend’s most prominent figures. The weekend’s slate runs from Friday through Sunday, with the Rising Stars showcase on Feb. 13, All-Star Saturday Night featuring the 3-Point and Slam Dunk contests on Feb. 14, and the All-Star Game itself on Feb. 15.
The All-Star Game’s new schedule calls for three 12-minute games in a round-robin format so each team plays at least two games. The two teams with the best records from those short contests advance to a winner-take-all 12-minute championship game. If teams finish tied, point differential will decide who moves on, keeping every minute and every basket meaningful.
New U. S. vs. World format: teams, structure and stakes
This year’s format divides the 24 All-Stars into USA Stars, USA Stripes and Team World. USA Stars leans younger and quicker, featuring several players 25 or under alongside veterans who bring scoring and leadership. USA Stripes rounds out the American representation while Team World showcases international size and skill, anchored by some of the game’s most unique big men.
The opening matchup will pit the athleticism of USA Stars against the length and versatility of Team World, with the winner gaining valuable momentum in the round-robin. The tournament-style approach is intended to produce multiple competitive games and a climactic final rather than a single exhibition contest. With each game capped at 12 minutes, teams must play with urgency and strategic intent throughout the day.
Saturday highlights and key storylines heading into tip-off
Saturday’s events foreshadowed a lively Sunday. Damian Lillard etched 3-Point Contest history by securing a record-tying third title, even though he has missed time this season. The long-range display reminded fans of his clutch shooting and enduring range. The Slam Dunk contest saw Keshad Johnson deliver electrifying dunks that energized the arena and added momentum for younger players making All-Star moments their own.
Off the court, the league’s commissioner met with the media Saturday for the annual All-Star press conference, setting the tone for the weekend. The shortened game format and the earlier start time were both referenced as steps toward maximizing competitive intrigue while aligning the All-Star showcase with a crowded sports calendar that includes the Winter Olympics this season.
Expect roster narratives, veteran leadership and rising-star flair to collide on Sunday. With a compressed schedule, every rotation, substitution and possession matters. The 5 p. m. ET start gives fans a full evening to take in the final and the celebration of the league’s 75th season.
For viewers planning the day, remember: tip-off is 5 p. m. ET on Feb. 15, with pre-game media events earlier in the afternoon and a full weekend of ancillary showcases leading up to the main event.
