SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have introduced a revolutionary new format for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, set to take place at the Chase Center on February 16. This year’s event will feature a never-before-seen mini-tournament structure, replacing the traditional East vs. West format. The highly anticipated All-Star Game, broadcast live on TNT at 8 p.m. ET, promises to elevate the level of competition and entertainment for basketball fans worldwide.

A New Era: The Mini-Tournament Format

For the first time in NBA history, the All-Star Game will be structured as a four-team mini-tournament, consisting of three high-intensity games. The teams will be determined through the NBA All-Star Draft, conducted live on TNT on February 6. The tournament format is as follows:

• Game 1: Two teams face off in the first semifinal.

• Game 2: The remaining two teams compete in the second semifinal.

• Game 3 (Championship): The winners of Game 1 and Game 2 battle for the All-Star crown.

Each game will have a unique scoring format, with teams required to accumulate at least 40 points to claim victory. This innovative structure aims to increase competition, ensure exciting gameplay, and maintain high stakes throughout the event.

Introducing the All-Star Teams

The four participating teams will be named after popular TNT analysts and honorary general managers:

Team Chuck – Led by Hall of Famer Charles Barkley.

Team Shaq – Managed by legendary big man Shaquille O’Neal.

Team Kenny – Coached by three-time NBA champion Kenny Smith.

Team Candace – Featuring TNT analyst and WNBA legend Candace Parker.

The first three teams will be selected through the All-Star Draft by Barkley, O’Neal, and Smith. Meanwhile, Team Candace will consist of the winners of the Castrol Rising Stars game, which showcases the NBA’s top first- and second-year players, along with standout talents from the NBA G League.

How the Players Will Be Selected

The selection process for the 24 NBA All-Stars remains unchanged from previous years. The breakdown is as follows:

• Fan Vote (50%) – Fans around the world will have the largest influence on the selection of the five starters from each conference.

• Current NBA Players (25%) – Active players will cast their votes for their peers.

• Media Panel (25%) – A group of media members will contribute to the selection of the starters.

Each All-Star team will have eight players, with the starters determined through voting and the seven reserve players chosen by NBA head coaches.

Coaching Assignments

The head coaches for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game will be determined based on regular-season performance. The coaching staff of the teams with the best records in each conference as of February 2 will lead the All-Star teams. Additionally:

• One assistant coach from the leading Eastern Conference team will coach Team Candace (Castrol Rising Stars winners).

• One assistant coach from the leading Western Conference team will lead the remaining All-Star squad.

This system ensures that the league’s most successful teams will have a direct impact on the All-Star action.

High-Stakes Competition: The Prize Pool

With an increased focus on competition, the 2025 NBA All-Star Game will feature a $1.8 million prize pool, distributed as follows:

• Winning team – Each player receives $125,000.

• Second-place team – Each player earns $50,000.

• Third- and fourth-place teams – Each player gets $25,000.

The financial incentives are expected to add an extra layer of motivation for the players, ensuring a more competitive and engaging game.

NBA All-Star Voting: How Fans Can Participate

Fans will continue to play a crucial role in determining the starters for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. Presented by AT&T, the official 5G Wireless Network of the NBA, the NBA All-Star Voting process will begin on Thursday, December 19 at 10 a.m. ET.

How to Vote

Fans can vote for their favorite All-Stars through the following platforms:

• NBA App – Available for download on iOS and Android.

• NBA.com – Voting page located at NBA.com/vote.

• NBA ID – A free membership program offering exclusive rewards and benefits.

Ballot Structure

Voters will be able to select three frontcourt players and two guards from both the Eastern and Western Conferences. NBA ID members can submit one full ballot per day.

Exclusive Sweepstakes for U.S. Voters

Fans in the United States who participate in NBA All-Star Voting will automatically enter the NBA ID All-Star Voting Sweepstakes, presented by AT&T. The grand prize? A trip to San Francisco for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the action firsthand.

What to Expect from the 2025 NBA All-Star Game

With the introduction of the new mini-tournament format, the 2025 NBA All-Star Game is set to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable editions in history. Here’s what fans can look forward to:

• More Competitive Play – The race to 40 points per game ensures high-intensity action.

• Strategic Team Selection – The All-Star Draft will add drama as Inside the NBA analysts pick their squads.

• Rising Stars Integration – The inclusion of Team Candace provides young talents a shot at competing with the league’s best.

• Big Prize Money – Increased financial incentives will drive All-Stars to take the tournament seriously.

Schedule of Events: NBA All-Star Weekend 2025

The NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco will feature a packed schedule of events, including:

• Thursday, February 6 – NBA All-Star Draft, where the teams will be selected live on TNT.

• Friday, February 14 – Castrol Rising Stars, showcasing the best young NBA and G League players.

• Saturday, February 15 – Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest.

• Sunday, February 16 – The NBA All-Star Game mini-tournament at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.

As excitement builds, all eyes will be on San Francisco and the Chase Center to deliver an unforgettable weekend of basketball and entertainment.

Final Thoughts

The NBA’s decision to reinvent the All-Star Game with a mini-tournament format reflects the league’s commitment to keeping the event fresh, competitive, and engaging for fans. The 2025 NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco promises to be a historic and thrilling experience, featuring a unique mix of established superstars, rising young talent, and basketball legends shaping the competition.

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