2025 NBA All-Star Game Brings Fresh Format and Star Power to San Francisco

 

The highly anticipated 2025 NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, February 16, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, promising a unique twist to the traditional event with a mini-tournament format designed to heighten competition.

 

New Game Format

This year’s event introduces a groundbreaking structure featuring four teams and three fast-paced games:

• Team Chuck (Charles Barkley)

• Team Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal)

• Team Kenny (Kenny Smith)

• Team Candace (winner of the Castrol Rising Stars event, led by Candace Parker)

 

The tournament will include two semifinal matchups, followed by a championship game. Each game will be played to a target score of 40 points, adding intensity and urgency to every possession.

 

Star-Studded Roster

Some of the league’s biggest names are set to participate, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

 

The Rising Stars team (Team Candace) will be filled with top first- and second-year NBA players and G League standouts. Among them is Atlanta Hawks rookie forward Zaccharie Risacher, who earned his spot through selection by NBA assistant coaches.

Prizes

To further motivate players, the NBA has announced the following cash rewards:

• Championship Team: $125,000 per player

• Second Place: $50,000 per player

• Other Teams: $25,000 per player

 

All-Star Weekend Highlights

The All-Star festivities extend beyond Sunday’s mini-tournament.

• Friday, February 14: Castrol Rising Stars (9 p.m. ET on TNT)

• Saturday, February 15: State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, featuring the Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest

• Sunday, February 16: All-Star Game Mini-Tournament

Additionally, the weekend will include concerts, the NBA HBCU Classic game, and fan experiences at the Moscone Center, creating a comprehensive cultural and entertainment showcase.

 

Rising Stars Showcase

Atlanta Hawks rookie Zaccharie Risacher will be a key player to watch in the Castrol Rising Stars game, which highlights the league’s premier young talent. The event will air live at 9 p.m. ET on TNT on Friday, February 14, offering fans a glimpse into the future of the NBA.

 

The 2025 All-Star Game promises to inject new excitement and strategy into an event that has faced criticism for lacking competitiveness. With its innovative format and an impressive roster of talent, this year’s game is poised to captivate basketball fans worldwide.