Where to Watch NBA All-Star Game 2026 (February 15, 2026): Live Stream, TV & Start Time
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game marks a historic turning point for the league’s midseason spectacle. Scheduled for Sunday, February 15, from the new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, this 75th anniversary event signifies a major broadcast shift and introduces a groundbreaking competitive format. For the first time since 2002, the game returns to NBC and makes its streaming debut on Peacock, coinciding with the Winter Olympics and promising wider accessibility for fans. This guide provides a comprehensive, authoritative breakdown of how to watch every moment, from the new tournament-style game to the weekend’s ancillary events, ensuring you don’t miss a second of the action.
A New Era: Broadcast Shift and Historic Format
The 2026 All-Star Weekend is defined by two significant changes. First, the broadcasting rights have moved from TNT Sports to NBC Sports, ending a long-standing cable tradition and placing the main event on network television for the first time in over two decades. Second, the league is introducing a “USA vs. World” tournament format to replace the traditional East vs. West matchup. This new structure will feature three teams: two composed of top U.S.-born players and one comprised of elite international stars. These teams will compete in a round-robin mini-tournament of 12-minute games, culminating in a final championship game, all in one evening. This innovative approach aims to heighten competitiveness and celebrate the NBA’s global footprint.
2026 NBA All-Star Weekend Complete Schedule
The festivities run from Friday, February 13, through Sunday, February 15. Notably, due to NBC’s concurrent primetime Winter Olympics coverage, the marquee Saturday and Sunday events will air in the late afternoon/evening Eastern Time slot, rather than the traditional late-night window. Below is the consolidated broadcast schedule for the key events.
Friday, February 13
• NBA All-Star Celebrity Game: 7:00 PM ET on ESPN
• NBA Rising Stars Game: 9:00 PM ET exclusively on Peacock
• NBA HBCU Classic: 11:00 PM ET on Peacock
Saturday, February 14
• NBA All-Star Saturday Night (Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, Slam Dunk Contest): 5:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock
Sunday, February 15
• The 75th NBA All-Star Game: 5:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock. Spanish-language coverage will also be available on Telemundo.
Additional coverage, including media day and practices, will be available on NBA TV. For the most precise and official timing, always refer to the NBA’s official schedule page.
How to Watch: Streaming, Cable, and Free Options
The fragmentation of rights across the weekend means no single service carries absolutely everything, but strategic combinations can provide full access.
Primary Platform for the Main Event: The All-Star Game and All-Star Saturday Night will air on the NBC broadcast network and stream live on Peacock. A Peacock Premium subscription ($10.99-$16.99/month) is required for streaming.
For Complete Weekend Coverage: To access the ESPN-televised Celebrity Game and NBA TV content, a live TV streaming service is the most straightforward solution. YouTube TV ($82.99/month) includes NBC, ESPN, and NBA TV in its base package, along with unlimited DVR. Fubo and Hulu + Live TV are also viable options that carry these channels.
Cost-Effective Strategy: To minimize cost, consider pairing a one-month Peacock Premium subscription for the main events with Sling TV’s Orange plan ($45.99/month) to gain access to ESPN for the Celebrity Game.
Watching for Free: For the first time in years, a significant portion of the weekend can be viewed completely free. The NBC-broadcast events can be accessed with a digital antenna in areas with a strong local NBC affiliate signal. Furthermore, services like DIRECTV Stream and YouTube TV often offer free trials for new subscribers, which could be timed to cover the weekend.
Understanding the New All-Star Team Selection
The 24 All-Stars selected for 2026 will be divided among the three teams. The starters, chosen by fan, player, and media vote, were announced first. The reserves, selected by NBA head coaches, complete the rosters. The league office ensures the “World” team has at least eight international players, with the remaining players filling out two U.S. squads. Notable storylines for 2026 include the inclusion of six first-time All-Stars and the notable absence of any players from the host LA Clippers, sparking debate among analysts. For ongoing analysis and roster breakdowns, trusted sources like ESPN’s NBA coverage provide valuable context.
International Viewers and NBA League Pass
Fans outside the United States and Canada can typically watch the All-Star Game live through NBA League Pass, the league’s international subscription service. However, viewers within the U.S. and Canada should note that the All-Star Game is subject to local national broadcast blackouts on League Pass. In these regions, you must watch via the authorized national broadcaster—NBC/Peacock in the U.S. and TSN in Canada. Always check the NBA League Pass website for specific blackout information in your territory.
Top Questions About the 2026 NBA All-Star Game
Can I watch the NBA All-Star Game for free?
Yes. If you live within range of a local NBC broadcast station, you can watch the All-Star Game and All-Star Saturday Night for free using a digital HD antenna. This provides a high-quality, no-cost viewing option for the main events.
Why is the game starting at 5:00 PM ET?
The earlier start time is a scheduling accommodation for NBC, which will air the All-Star Game as a lead-in to its primetime coverage of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on the same network.
What is the new format for the All-Star Game?
The 2026 game abandons the East vs. West format for a “USA vs. World” tournament. Two teams of American players and one team of international stars will play a series of short games in a round-robin, with the top two teams meeting in a final championship game.
Is the Rising Stars Game still part of the weekend?
Yes. The Rising Stars Game, featuring top rookies and second-year players, will be played on Friday, February 13. However, it is now exclusively streamed on Peacock and will not air on linear television.
Why is LeBron James an All-Star if his stats are down?
LeBron James was selected as a reserve by the NBA’s head coaches. While his per-game averages have dipped and he’s missed games, his enduring impact, leadership, and the historical significance of his 22nd selection were likely contributing factors in the coaches’ decision.
Where is the 2026 All-Star Game being held?
The game will be held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the new state-of-the-art home of the LA Clippers. This marks the first major NBA event at this arena.
Can I watch the game on NBA TV?
No. NBA TV will carry auxiliary coverage like media day and press conferences, but the All-Star Game itself will not air on NBA TV in the United States. It is exclusively on NBC and Peacock.
What if I only have Peacock and not cable?
With a Peacock Premium subscription, you will have access to the Rising Stars Game, All-Star Saturday Night, and the All-Star Game. You will not be able to watch the ESPN-televised Celebrity Game without an additional service that includes ESPN.
How does the “World” team selection work?
The “World” team is comprised of All-Stars who were born outside the 50 United States and Washington, D.C. The league ensures this team has a minimum of eight players from the 24-man All-Star pool.
Will the game be available on-demand?
Yes. Following the live broadcast, full game replays and highlights will be available on the Peacock platform and through the NBA’s official channels for viewers with appropriate subscriptions.
Final Verdict
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game represents a pivotal moment of transition and innovation. The move to NBC and Peacock dramatically increases accessibility, allowing a broader audience to tune in via free over-the-air broadcast or a relatively low-cost streaming subscription. Coupled with the intriguing new USA vs. World tournament format designed to inject fresh competitive spirit, this year’s event is poised to be one of the most memorable in recent history. To ensure seamless viewing, plan ahead: secure your Peacock access for the core events, consider a digital antenna for a free option, and verify your access to ESPN if the Celebrity Game is a must-watch. By understanding the new landscape, fans can fully immerse themselves in this unique celebration of basketball’s elite talent.
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