Just as the NBA itself has been around since the 1950s, the league’s All-Star game has been around since then as well. But just as the league has undergone multiple changes, the NBA All-Star game has also undergone changes, ultimately emerging with a new schedule for the 2025-26 season.
Of course, fans remain conflicted about new changes, some embracing a new schedule while others continue to criticize the NBA’s thought process. This time, it includes changing the tip-off time of the usual All-Star game to the afternoon.
Here’s Why the NBA Changed Its All-Star Saturday Night to an Afternoon Slot
This year, the NBA is diverting from its usual time slot and All-Star format. However, even beyond the format, fans remain divided over the new afternoon timing.
According to reports, the NBA made he change to avoid conflicts with the Winter Olympics schedules.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver discussed the matter in 2025, hinting at a new format before the official announcement.
“Our All-Star Game will return to NBC next season in the middle of their coverage of the Winter Olympics,” Silver explained.
“Given the strong interest we’ve seen in international basketball competitions, most recently in last summer’s Olympics in Paris, we’re discussing concepts with the players association that focus on NBA players representing their countries or regions instead of the more traditional formats that we’ve used in the past.”
In another conversation with AP, Silver had admitted that they were well aware of the overlap with the Olympics.
Complete 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend Schedule
| Game | Time | TV Channel | Sreaming |
| Celebrity Game | 7 p.m., Friday, February 13 | ESPN | Fubo |
| Rising Stars | 9 p.m., Friday, February 13 | NBCSN Peacock |
Peacock |
| HBCU Classic | 11 p.m., Friday, February 13 | ESPN2 NBA TV NBCSN Peacock |
Fubo |
| Media Day | 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 14 | NBA TV | Fubo |
| All-Star Saturday | 5 p.m., Saturday, February 14 | NBC | Peacock |
| G League Next Up | 2:30 p.m., Sunday, February 15 | NBA Channel | Fubo |
| All-Star Game | 5 p.m., Sunday, February 15 | NBC | Peacoc |
Players like Trae Young and Jaylen Brown expressed some concerns over the format.
Is the NBA All-Star Game Still Relevant in 2026?
In January, Philadelphia 76ers rookie V.J. Edgecombe went viral for a stellar dunk against the Indiana Pacers.
But despite his physicality, Edgecombe refused to participate in the NBA’s Slam Dunk contest.
“Yeah, I ain’t doing it,” Edgecombe surprisingly said. When asked about any particular reason, the rookie just shook his head as he repeated, “Nah, I’m good. I’m good.”
His response sparked a debate amongst fans about the All-Star’s overall format and relevancy.
Until a few years ago, the Slam Dunk contest was a highlight of the NBA season. Fans and players looked forward to some fun time off, especially as NBA stars tried to come up with creative dunks.
Unfortunately, the hype around the contest or the All-Star weekend has continued to diminish, and fans are looking for a fresh experience. Many continue to suggest new activities, hoping the NBA changes course.
With the NBA trying something new this year, the league has another chance to impress fans. Sunday’s All-Star game is scheduled at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
