The NBA All-Star Game could be getting another format overhaul, as the league is reportedly in “serious talks” about a new tournament-style structure for the 2025 All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, home of the Golden State Warriors, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The proposed format would feature four teams: three squads of eight All-Stars and the winning team from the Rising Stars game held on the Friday of All-Star Weekend. All-Star Sunday would see two initial matchups, with the winners advancing to a final.
The league has sought input from top players, including Warriors guard Steph Curry, as part of efforts to create “a fresh and creative path forward” for the event, per Charania.
“This quick-burst, four-team tournament among the league’s best players has gained momentum, according to sources,” Charania added.
Last year, the NBA returned to the traditional East vs. West format, abandoning the televised draft where team captains picked their squads from the full pool of All-Stars. However, the change didn’t lead to a better result, as the East defeated the West 211-186 in the highest-scoring All-Star Game in history.
“I think there’s no doubt the players were disappointed with last year’s All-Star Game,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month. “We all want to do a better job of providing competition and entertainment for our fans.”
In other All-Star Weekend news, Curry and New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu are reportedly in “strong conversations” to have a rematch in a shootout-style contest, according to Charania. The two faced off in last season’s 3-point contest, with Curry emerging as the winner in a thrilling finish.
This year’s event could feature additional players, including former Splash Brother Klay Thompson of the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, among the potential NBA and WNBA participants.
All-Star Weekend is scheduled to take place from February 14-16.
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