NHL’s Success Inspires NBA
Following the record viewership of a non-Olympic hockey game during an international mini-tournament hosted by the NHL, the NBA is exploring a similar concept for its upcoming All-Star Game in Los Angeles next year.
Discussions with NBC
During a conference in New York on Monday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and league operations president Byron Spruell revealed they are in talks with new broadcast partner NBC about an “international competition” connected to the NBA All-Star Game, scheduled for February 15, 2026, at the LA Clippers’ Intuit Dome.
Shifting Focus to International Play
Silver shared insights with The Athletic, noting the strong interest in international basketball, particularly from last summer’s Olympics in Paris. He mentioned ongoing discussions with the players’ association about innovative formats where NBA players could represent their countries or regions, moving away from traditional All-Star formats.
Incorporating International Formats
Addressing the future of the All-Star Game, Spruell indicated that the league is considering formats that embrace international play, potentially featuring a U.S. team versus a global team, similar to the Ryder Cup in golf. He emphasized NBC’s enthusiasm for this new direction.
Roster Potential with International Players
With approximately 25% of current NBA players hailing from outside the U.S., creating rosters for a U.S. team and an international team is plausible. Notably, MVP candidates this season include players from Canada, Serbia, Greece, and Slovenia. This reflects the significant international talent in the league.
Past Changes in All-Star Format
The NBA has shown willingness to experiment with its All-Star Game, moving from a traditional East vs. West matchup to a four-team tournament earlier this year, which received lower ratings and criticism for various gimmicks. Silver deemed this tournament a “miss,” recognizing the need for further innovation.
Growing Interest in International Basketball
The appetite for international basketball is rising, especially after the star-studded tournament at the last Olympics in Paris. The U.S. secured its fifth consecutive gold medal, facing formidable challenges from Serbia and France. Additionally, Silver aims to establish an NBA European league by late 2026.
