The NBA All-Star game has finally reinvented itself with a new format. Unlike the usual East vs. West format, the All-Star games will be played between three teams — two composed of American players and a third of international players.
Of course, three new teams warrant three new coaches for the game, ultimately meaning more content for NBA fans to enjoy. And while the All-Star weekend is still some time away, the league has already begun announcing coaches and staff.
What Name Did the NBA Drop As the First Coach for the USA vs. World All-Star Format?
As mentioned, the NBA will be experimenting with a new All-Star format this year. And since players will be divided into three different teams, every team will need a new coach.
In a new report, the NBA named J.B. Bickerstaff, the Detroit Pistons’ head coach, as the first coach.
“After the Pistons clinched the Eastern Conference’s best record through Feb. 1, Bickerstaff earns a spot coaching one of the 3 All-Star Game teams. It’s his first time serving as an All-Star Game head coach,” the league wrote in their statement.
Furthermore, Bickerstaff will also be the first All-Star head coach from Detroit since 2005-06. This was when Flip Saunders led the Eastern Conference team to a 122-120 win in 2006.
However, the league has yet to confirm which All-Star team Bickerstaff will coach.
Explaining the NBA 2026 All-Star Format
This year, the NBA will organize games featuring three teams of at least eight players each. But instead of full-length games, the All-Star game will feature 12-minute-long games — the standard length of a quarter.
Team A will play Team B for Game 1, followed by a game against Team C, depending on who wins Game 1. Whoever has the best teams will end up playing the championship game.
In case of a tie, the point differential will be used as a tiebreaker.
NBA All-Star Starters For the 2025-26 Season
Western Conference
- Luka Dončić — Los Angeles Lakers
- Nikola Jokić — Denver Nuggets
- Stephen Curry — Golden State Warriors
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — Oklahoma City Thunder
- Victor Wembanyama — San Antonio Spurs
Eastern Conference
- Giannis Antetokounmpo — Milwaukee Bucks
- Jalen Brunson — New York Knicks
- Tyrese Maxey — Philadelphia 76ers
- Cade Cunningham — Detroit Pistons
- Jaylen Brown — Boston Celtics
Each starter is selected by votes — 50% from fans, 25% from media, and 25% from current/active players.
That said, the NBA is trying to move past the recent criticism surrounding its All-Star Weekend. Many fans have deemed the event dull, tired of the usual shooting and slam dunk contests.
And though the league retains most elements, the three-team games could be an interesting touch.
The NBA’s 75th All-Star Game is scheduled on February 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
