NBA All-Star Weekend is supposed to be a showcase of the game’s biggest stars and a way to celebrate basketball on a global stage.
However, in recent years, declining ratings and waning interest have raised concerns. In 2026, those concerns became impossible to ignore as thousands of empty seats dominated the view inside the $2 billion Intuit Dome.
Deserted View During the All-Star Weekend
The warning signs were already evident during Friday’s Rising Stars event, where more than 90% of the arena appeared empty.
The broadcast was forced to use tight angles, focusing only on the few occupied sections to avoid exposing the massive void. They also used lights on the seats to try to hide some of the empty seats.
However, the scene sparked immediate criticism toward NBA commissioner Adam Silver and league officials, who were already facing scrutiny over All-Star Weekend’s direction.
Most fans and media personnel believed things would improve on Saturday as the Slam Dunk Contest and the 3-Point Contest have historically been must-watch attractions.
Unfortunately, the scene inside the arena told a different story. Once again, large sections of empty seats surrounded the court, and many people watching from home couldn’t help but notice.
NBA World’s Reaction to Empty Seats at the Intuit Dome
Ticket prices quickly became one of the most discussed reasons behind the lack of attendance.
The Rising Stars game reportedly averaged $110, while some resale seats were as expensive as $1,000. In 2025, SeatGeek reported ticket prices had already jumped 49% over the previous year.
For Saturday’s main events, prices were even steeper as entry-level tickets began at $400, lower-tier seats climbed to $1,400, and spots near “The Wall” section cost around $1,000. Many fans argued that the event was becoming inaccessible to average supporters, and it had turned into an exclusive luxury experience.
“This is embarrassing. I get that it’s not that great of an event but do they also overprice the tickets a ton? Why not just price it to fill the arena and make it a celebration for fans and players?” one commentator wrote, sharing the video of the empty venue.
This is embarrassing. I get that it’s not that great of an event but do they also overprice the tickets a ton?
Why not just price it to fill the arena and make it a celebration for fans and players? https://t.co/OgnMl4wzQw
— Justin Wills (@itsjwills) February 15, 2026
Viewers noticed that arena lighting appeared darker in certain areas. It was a tactic similar to what was used during the Rising Stars broadcast. By dimming the lights and focusing cameras tightly on active sections, the production tried to create the illusion of a fuller crowd.
However, many viewers were quick to catch on. They called out what they believed was an obvious effort to control the narrative.
NBA reporter Gary Washburn wrote, “A lot of empty seats at Intuit Dome for All-Star Saturday Night. Not sure what the league can do if the tickets are purchased and not used. But there has to be a way to distribute unused or unwanted tickets to kids in the L.A. or the local community hosting the All-Star Game. #NBAAllStar26”
A lot of empty seats at Intuit Dome for All-Star Saturday Night. Not sure what the league can do if the tickets are purchased and not used. But there has to be a way to distribute unused or unwanted tickets to kids in the L.A. or the local community hosting the All-Star Game.…
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) February 15, 2026
“They tried to dim the lights like a romantic authentic Italian restaurant to hide the 37 fans in the arena,” wrote basketball infleuncer and LeBron James’ friend Cuffs The Legend.
they tried to dim the lights like a romantic authentic Italian restaurant to hide the 37 fans in the arena 🤣 https://t.co/Xg7AkfwDWc
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) February 15, 2026
Some reactions took a humorous tone, suggesting the league was trying to convince fans that everything was normal despite clear evidence to the contrary.
“Empty seats for All Star don’t lie, you can’t gaslight people into attending, fans are just not that Intuit,” said Damon Rangoola.
Empty seats for All Star don’t lie, you can’t gaslight people into attending, fans are just not that Intuit
— Daman Rangoola (@damanr) February 14, 2026
While most fans focused solely on criticizing the situation, one user took a more constructive approach, pointing out the core issue and offering a potential solution.
“Don’t know if it solves everything, but I think the NBA should make the tickets $10 like a high school game and include as many free parking passes as you can until you run out. And then make concession stand prices like a high school game, too… Just make it accessible,” wrote the Athletic’s James Boyd.
Don’t know if it solves everything, but I think the NBA should make the tickets $10 like a high school game and include as many free parking passes as you can until you run out. And then make concession stand prices like a high school game, too.
Just make it accessible. https://t.co/wTNjeF5rOu
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) February 15, 2026
The NBA now faces a critical challenge as it tries to find a way to restore excitement and bring fans back into the seats before the silence becomes louder than the event itself.
