The 2025 NBA All-Star Game is just around the corner, and this year, fans can expect an event unlike any other. The iconic exhibition match, typically featuring fan-voted players from the Eastern and Western Conferences, will see some major changes. Set to take place at the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, the game promises to be a fresh and thrilling experience for basketball enthusiasts.
LeBron James' 21st All-Star Appearance
LeBron James will make his 21st All-Star appearance, further cementing his legacy as one of the game's greatest players. While the traditional 48-minute game would typically pit the Eastern and Western Conference teams against each other, this year’s format will look quite different due to some controversy surrounding the 2024 exhibition, which many fans labeled as "unwatchable."
New Format: Mini-Tournament Replaces Traditional Game
In a significant shift, the 2025 NBA All-Star Game will feature a mini-tournament instead of the usual single game. A total of 24 players will be divided into three teams, with the winner of the Rising Stars game forming the fourth team. These four teams will compete in two semi-final games, and the winners will advance to the championship game. The first team to reach or exceed 40 points will be crowned the victor.
Team Selection by TNT's Inside the NBA Panel
One of the most unique aspects of this year’s All-Star Game is the team selection process. Instead of the usual draft format, TNT’s Inside the NBA panel—comprising Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith—will be responsible for drafting the teams. On February 6, the 24 All-Stars will be selected, and the trio of NBA legends will create Team Charles, Team Shaq, and Team Kenny.
The fourth team in the tournament will be the winning squad from the Rising Stars game, and they will be named Team Candace, in honor of WNBA legend and TNT analyst Candace Parker.
Voting Process and Coaching Staff
The process for selecting the 24 All-Stars remains unchanged. Fans, current NBA players, and a media panel will cast their votes to determine the players. Each team will be coached by a head coach or assistant from the top teams in both the Eastern and Western Conferences at the time of the event.
Prize Pool and Player Rewards
The prize pool for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game is set at a generous $1.8 million. Players on the winning team will each receive $125,000, while those on the second-place team will earn $50,000. The third and fourth-place teams will each be rewarded with $25,000.
Date and Time of the All-Star Game
The 2025 NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, February 16, at the Chase Center in the San Francisco Bay Area. This event will be the highlight of the All-Star Weekend, which begins on Friday, February 14, with the Celebrity Game and the Rising Stars match. The skills challenge, three-point contest, and dunk contest will follow on Saturday, February 15.
Tip-off for the All-Star Game is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET on Sunday, which will be 1:00 AM on Monday in the UK.
How to Watch the NBA All-Star Game
Fans in the UK can catch the action live on TNT Sports. Further details about the broadcast coverage will be provided soon, but in the meantime, fans can learn more about TNT Sports’ NBA coverage and sign up for discovery+ and TNT Sports to stay updated.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Game is shaping up to be a historic event with exciting new changes that are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.