The 2026 NBA All-Star Game was a clear ratings success, which marked the highest viewership for the event since 2011. The game used a new USA vs World format with a round-robin structure involving three squads, leading to a final matchup.
2026 NBA All-Star surges to highest ratings since 2011
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game marked a significant turnaround for the league's midseason showcase, drawing an average of 8.8 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo, according to preliminary Nielsen data and digital data from Adobe Analytics, as per NBC Sports PR.
This figure represents the highest audience since 2011 and a stunning 87% increase from the 2025 event's 4.7 million viewers on TNT platforms. The broadcast returned to NBC for the first time since 2002.
The revamped structure (round-robin mini-games with international flavor, more defense, and actual stakes) brought back intensity and excitement, ultimately powering the mid-season event to bring a great outcome.
Meanwhile, USA Stars won the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, defeating USA Stripes 47-21 in the championship game of the new USA vs World round-robin format at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on February 15, 2026.