Fans React to Adam Silver Announcing USA vs. World All-Star Game Format

The NBA is giving its All-Star Game a significant overhaul in 2026, with a fresh USA vs. World format, commissioner Adam Silver recently confirmed.

During an appearance on FS1's Breakfast Ball, Silver announced the revamped showcase will debut in Los Angeles on Feb. 15, 2026, for NBA All-Star Weekend, which aligns with the Winter Olympics and the league's return to NBC.

"So next year, as part of our new media deals, the All-Star Game returns to NBC, where it was when we were younger," Silver said. "And it so happens that next season, we'll be smack in the middle of the Winter Olympics."

He added, "The game will be on NBC and the very day we're on, the lead in will be Winter Olympic events and then coming out of the All-Star Game, which is now going to be in the afternoon instead of the evening, there will be more Olympic events. So what better time to feature some form of USA against the World?"

The decision comes after the NBA tried an experimental four-team tournament format that fell flat with players and fans.

The NBA's All-Star game last year was overshadowed by the NHL's highly praised 4 Nations Face-Off featuring elite players from the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and Finland.

International NBA stars like Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo have shown early support for the USA vs. World concept, while Draymond Green noted the game "needs a facelift."

Fans, however, seem largely uninterested in the new All-Star Game format. Many shot down the idea, while others begged the league to go back to its traditional East vs. West matchups.

"Adam Silver, PLEASE keep the East vs. West All-Star Game format. We DO NOT wanna see Team World wipe the floor with Team USA. Did you not watch this past Olympics? We barely made it out alive," one person tweeted.

Another person wrote, "I hate these changes to the All-Star game. USA vs World doesn't even work for the ASG. There aren't even 12 players that could legitimately make the World All Star Team without it feeling like a participation award."

Check out other reactions to the news below.