Report: NBA discusses new All-Star Game format for 2025 event originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
It looks like the NBA All-Star Game could be undergoing yet another format change.
The league is in “serious talks” about a new tournament-style format for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center, home of the. Warriorsin San Francisco, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday, citing sources.
The reported format would have four teams: three eight-player squads consisting of All-Stars and then the winning team of the Rising Stars game that is played on the Friday of All-Star Weekend. An all-star Sunday night would feature two opening games, with the winning squads then advancing to the finals.
The league received input from several star players, including Warriors guard Steph Currybetween discussions for “a fresh and creative way forward” for the event, by Charania.
“This fast-paced, four-team tournament between the game’s biggest players has gained momentum among all parties, according to sources,” Charania added.
Last season, the NBA brought back the traditional East vs. West format, ditching the televised draft where team captains would pick from the entire pool of All-Stars. The format change did not ultimately lead to a much-improved product, however, as the East defeated the West 211-186 in the highest-scoring All-Star Game of all time.
“I think there’s no question the players were disappointed in last year’s All-Star Game as well,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month. “We all want to do a better job providing competition and entertainment for our fans.”
In other All-Star Weekend news, Curry and New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu is in “strong talks” to have another shootout-style showdown, according to Charania. The two shooters squared off in a 3-point contest last season, with Curry surpassing Ionescu in a thriller.
This year’s repeat could include more than just Curry and Ionescu, Charania reported Dallas Mavericks guard — and former Splash Brother — Clay Thompson along with Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark among the possible NBA and WNBA players who could be added to the event.
All Star Weekend is scheduled for February 14-16.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
