February 18, 2025
In an effort to further elevate the NBA All-Star Weekend experience, the league has announced a series of major changes to its format for the 2025 edition, set to take place in Indianapolis. The new changes, unveiled on February 18, 2025, are designed to make the event more inclusive, globally accessible, and fan-centric, with a strong emphasis on growing the league’s reach both domestically and internationally.
Among the most significant changes is the introduction of a global skills competition, which will feature not only NBA players but also stars from the NBA’s international affiliate leagues, including those in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This new addition aims to highlight the global nature of the game and give international players the opportunity to showcase their talents alongside NBA stars, creating a more inclusive and diverse All-Star experience.
“Basketball is truly a global game, and we want to celebrate the incredible talent that exists in every corner of the world,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “The 2025 All-Star Weekend will reflect the diversity of the game, bringing together athletes from all over the globe and offering fans a unique and exciting showcase of basketball talent.”
In another major shift, the traditional All-Star Game itself will see the introduction of a new draft system, where team captains will select their rosters from a pool of players, but with a twist. For the first time in NBA history, fans will have a voice in the draft process, allowing them to vote for the players who they believe should be team captains, and even influencing the selection of the final two spots on each team. This fan engagement initiative is designed to give fans more control over the event and deepen their connection with the stars of the league.
The Skills Challenge will also undergo a significant redesign. Traditionally a contest of individual skills, the 2025 event will introduce team-based challenges where players from different teams will collaborate to compete against each other in a series of basketball-related tasks, ranging from shooting to passing to agility drills. This format will emphasize teamwork and creativity, adding a fresh dynamic to the competition.
Additionally, the popular Three-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest will both feature expanded participation, with the inclusion of rising stars from both the NBA G League and international leagues. The league has made a concerted effort to ensure that the All-Star Weekend represents a broad range of basketball cultures, offering emerging talents from around the world a platform to showcase their abilities.
One of the most anticipated changes is the introduction of a special international game, which will be held on the Friday night of All-Star Weekend. The game will feature a team of NBA All-Stars playing against a squad made up of top international players from across the globe. This event is designed to emphasize the NBA’s commitment to promoting the global growth of basketball and celebrate the league’s international appeal.
“These changes are about creating an experience that brings fans closer to the game they love and showcases the best of basketball—no matter where it’s played,” said Silver. “The 2025 All-Star Weekend will be unlike any other, blending tradition with innovation and giving fans more ways to engage with the sport.”
The league’s emphasis on inclusivity and global outreach comes at a time when the NBA continues to grow in international markets, especially in countries like China, Mexico, and several European nations. The expansion of All-Star Weekend activities outside of the U.S. and the integration of international players in key events reflects the NBA’s strategy to make the league’s marquee events truly representative of its global audience.
As the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend draws nearer, the changes are expected to elevate the event to new heights, providing a fresh and exciting experience for fans both in Indianapolis and around the world. With a focus on inclusivity, global expansion, and fan engagement, the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend is poised to be a celebration of the sport’s past, present, and future.
