Commissioner Adam Silver knows that the NBA All-Star Game has been under fire for years. The much-anticipated game featuring all of the league’s best names had back-to-back underwhelming showcases in 2023 and 2024, and Silver admitted that everyone was embarrassed by the lack of effort.
Stephen Curry Gave Suggestions to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for All-Star Game
However, the NBA commissioner is determined to change course and bring back excitement to the high-profile game. In an interview with KNBR, Silver revealed he had spoken with Stephen Curry and other influential stars in the league to address the issue, with players themselves recognizing the need for a change.
“None of them were proud of what you saw last year. I think they all recognize that the fans want to be entertained by the style of basketball they see on the floor.”
"I've talked to Steph and many of the perennial All-Stars, none of them were proud of what you saw last year… I'm hopeful for this year. We can get something that can be really fun and exciting for fans to watch."
Adam Silver told @knbrmurph & @MarkusBoucher he's confident… pic.twitter.com/Gj9nmaPbZx
— KNBR (@KNBR) February 11, 2025
In response to widespread criticism, the NBA has completely overhauled the 2025 All-Star format, ditching the traditional East vs. West structure in favor of a four-team mini-tournament.
The revamped event will feature three games, with teams drafted by TNT’s Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith, alongside a fourth squad composed of Rising Stars Championship winners and led by Candace Parker. The first team to score 40 points wins each game, creating a fast-paced and competitive environment.
Silver remains hopeful that the changes will reignite fan interest, but he also acknowledged that the league might revert to the old format in the future. “Things are also cyclical,” he noted. “It’s not unimaginable that in a few years, people will be longing for the traditional format.”
Curry, who has long been one of the most influential figures in the NBA, had a role in shaping the new format. Over the summer, the Warriors star visited the league office, where he discussed ideas with Silver. “We know we have to partner with the players on the All-Star Game. Steph stopping by was a great opportunity to ask, ‘What’s the format you and other All-Stars want to see?’” Silver asked.
Understandably, Curry gave suggestions stressing the need for shorter games and multiple matchups to increase engagement. Silver further said, “We spoke to Steph, we spoke to many other perennial All-Stars, worked directly with Andre Iguodala at the Players Association, and came up with a format that I’m very hopeful will work.”
While a new format means a fresh approach, fans remain skeptical, given the league’s struggle to make the event competitive in recent years. If this change doesn’t deliver, the NBA may be forced to make even more drastic changes — or risk the All-Star Game becoming completely irrelevant.