For the first time in NBA history, the 2025 All-Star Game will introduce an exciting new format featuring a mini-tournament with four teams competing across three games. This innovative setup promises to deliver high-intensity action and a fresh twist to the annual showcase of basketball’s biggest stars. Here’s everything you need to know about the event, including how to watch, the tournament structure, and the star-studded rosters.
New Tournament Format: Four Teams, Three Games
The 2025 NBA All-Star Game will feature a unique mini-tournament format. Four teams will compete in three games, with the winners advancing to the championship round. Here’s how it works:
- Game 1: Two teams face off in the first semifinal.
- Game 2: The remaining two teams compete in the second semifinal.
- Game 3: The winners of Game 1 and Game 2 advance to the championship game.
Each game will be played to a target score of 40 points, meaning the first team to reach or surpass 40 wins. This format ensures fast-paced, high-stakes basketball that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Teams and Rosters: Drafted by TNT Analysts
The 24 NBA All-Stars have been divided into three teams, each named after a TNT NBA analyst. The rosters were drafted live on TNT’s Inside the NBA by commentators and honorary team general managers Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. The fourth team, Team Candace, will consist of the winning squad from the Castrol Rising Stars game, which showcases top first- and second-year NBA players and G League standouts. WNBA legend Candace Parker will serve as the honorary GM for Team Candace.
Here are the rosters for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game:
Team Shaq
- LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
- Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks (Injured)
- Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
- Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
- Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
- James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers
- Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
- Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks
Team Kenny
- Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
- Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
- Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
- Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Team Chuck
- Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
- Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers
- Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets
- Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
- Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Team Candace
- To be determined by the Castrol Rising Stars championship game on February 14.
Prize Pool: $1.8 Million Up for Grabs
The four teams will compete for a total prize pool of $1.8 million. The payout structure is as follows:
- Championship-winning team: $125,000 per player
- Second-place team: $50,000 per player
- Third- and fourth-place teams: $25,000 per player
This added incentive ensures that players will bring their best to the court, making for an even more competitive and entertaining event.
How to Watch the 2025 NBA All-Star Game
Here’s everything you need to know to catch the action:
- Date: Friday, February 16, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, California
- TV Channels: TNT and truTV
- Streaming: Max