The NBA has officially announced a significant change to the format of its All-Star Game. This season’s midseason showcase, taking place in San Francisco, will be transformed into an All-Star tournament. The new format will feature a four-team, three-game, one-night event. Three teams will be made up of eight All-Stars, while the fourth team will consist of the winners of the Rising Stars challenge.
The New All-Star Structure
The tournament will occur on February 16, 2024, at the Golden State Warriors’ home arena. The teams will compete to score 40 points in each game, making it a fast-paced, high-intensity contest. The Rising Stars event will be held two days prior, on February 14, as part of All-Star Friday.
Why the Change?
The NBA is pushing for a more competitive and engaging All-Star experience. Commissioner Adam Silver has long advocated for a more spirited showcase after the record-breaking, 397-point performance in last season’s game, which ended with a score of 211-186. The new format aims to add excitement and intensity, bringing a fresh dynamic to what has historically been a relaxed exhibition.
The Voting Process and Team Selection
All-Star voting will follow the familiar format, with fans, media, and players contributing to the selection of the starters. This will determine the 10 players from each conference who will be designated as starters, with NBA coaches selecting the 14 reserves. However, on game night, the concept of starters and reserves will lose its significance, as 15 players will start, with only 9 on the bench.
Exciting Draft Picks and Prize Money
The teams will be drafted by TNT analysts and former NBA stars Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith. A team of rising stars, called Team Candace (honoring Candace Parker), will also participate in the tournament.
The prize pool for the event is $1.8 million, with the winning team earning $125,000 per player, the runners-up receiving $50,000 each, and the semifinalists receiving $25,000.
