For years, the NBA All-Star Game has struggled to recapture the magic it once had—too little defense, too much flash, and frankly, fans tuning out. But now, Commissioner Adam Silver is ready to shake things up. During a recent interview, Silver confirmed plans to revamp the format for next year. And not just any revamp, he’s teasing a Team USA vs. Team World concept that could inspire real stakes and fresh energy into the mid-season classic.

“Yes. So next year, as part of our new media deals, the All-Star Game returns to NBC, where it was when we were younger,” Silver said. “And it so happens that next season will be smack in the middle of the Winter Olympics. So in fact, the game will be on NBC and the very day we’re on, the lead-in will be Winter Olympic events. And then coming out of the All-Star Game, which is not going to be in the afternoon, instead of the evening, there’ll be more Olympic events. So what better time to feature some form of USA against the world?”

If this feels like more than just a scheduling gimmick, it’s because it is. Silver is playing 4D chess with his league’s visibility. Returning to NBC, syncing the All-Star broadcast with the Olympics, and leaning into international competition? That’s a marketing slam dunk. But let’s back up for a second.

What is the NBA All-Star Game, and how would Team USA vs Team World work?

For the newbies here, the NBA All-Star Game is an annual mid-season exhibition where the league’s brightest stars are selected to compete—traditionally East vs. West, though in recent years, captains like LeBron James and Kevin Durant have picked their squads playground-style. It’s less about competition and more about fanfare: highlight dunks, logo threes, and zero defense.

A Team USA vs. Team World setup would pit American stars against the best of the globe—think Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards taking on Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. While the NBA has never used this format in the main All-Star Game (only in Rising Stars events), it mirrors the league’s global growth and the rising parity between international and U.S. talent. And fans? They’re already buzzing about the possibilities.

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game, however, tried to shake things up with a fresh mini-tournament format, hoping to add some fresh energy into the event. But, as with any experiment, the reaction was mixed. Some players liked the added competitiveness, but others weren’t thrilled about all the stoppages breaking up the rhythm. The biggest eyebrow-raiser? A surprise 20-minute pause during the championship game to celebrate TNT’s 40-year run with the NBA. Boston’s Jayson Tatum didn’t hold back, saying, “It was kind of tough to get back into the game after that.” Clearly, the league’s still figuring out how to strike the right balance between showtime moments and keeping players in the flow for a truly exciting All-Star showdown.

What are Adam Silver’s plans for a fresh NBA All-Star format?

The timing of this shake-up isn’t random. It’s rooted in the NBA’s new media deal with NBC, which officially kicks in next season. Adam Silver explained that the 2025 All-Star Game will air on NBC, directly adjacent to Winter Olympics coverage. “What better time to feature some form of USA against the world?” he asked rhetorically, pointing out the built-in narrative teamwork between Olympic nationalism and All-Star flair.

He also pointed to successful examples: “I mean, obviously, paid a lot of attention to what the NHL did… which was a huge success. The Frozen Four, that was awesome.” And there’s more. Adam Silver’s enthusiasm for Olympic-style basketball is no secret. “Last summer, our Olympic competition was a huge success. Those games, USA-Serbia, USA-France. I love watching it,” he said. That physical, high-stakes vibe? Adam Silver wants it baked into All-Star.

Importantly, this doesn’t mean the NBA is ditching its traditional game rules. “Keep 12-minute quarters,” Silver added with a smirk, referencing fans who often pine for the shorter Olympic format. But the subtext is clear: this won’t just be another highlight reel showcase.

And it’s about time. The 2024 All-Star Game in Indianapolis faced widespread criticism for its lack of competitiveness and defensive effort. Despite the Eastern Conference setting a record by scoring 211 points, fans and commentators widely panned the game. Many described it as “unwatchable,” citing the minimal defensive play and the game’s overall lack of intensity. The high-scoring affair, while record-breaking, highlighted the issues troubling the All-Star Game’s format and player engagement.

In response to the ongoing criticism, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged the need for change. The league is exploring new formats to revitalize the All-Star Game, aiming to enhance competitiveness and fan interest. And therefore, the proposal of the Team USA vs. Team World format, which Silver believes could inject fresh energy into the event.

So now? It’s back to basics… but with global spice. Imagine a starting five of Steph, Ant, Tatum, and LeBron, lining up against Luka, Shai, Jokic, Giannis, and, well, maybe even Wemby or Sabonis. Suddenly, it feels like something worth watching. Like something that matters. The format details are still TBD, as Adam Silver admitted: “I’m not exactly sure what the format will be yet.” But he’s got the vision and the platform.

With NBC back in the picture, Olympic buzz in the air, and international talent better than ever, the 2025 All-Star Game might actually live up to its name again. Now the question becomes: Who’s in, who’s out, and how real will the competition get? That part? Still building.