Get NBA League Pass TODAY
• NBA All-Star 2025: Complete coverage
New Mini-Tournament Format for 2025 NBA All-Star Game
Tonight, TNT unveiled the semifinal matchups and team names for the highly anticipated 2025 NBA All-Star Game. The event, scheduled for Sunday, February 16, brings a fresh twist to the traditional format with a mini-tournament featuring four teams and three games. This innovative approach promises intense competition and an exciting spectacle for fans.
The semifinal winners will advance to compete in the championship game. Each game will be a sprint to 40 points, adding a unique dimension of strategic play and speed.
Semifinal Matchups
The format sees two teams competing in one semifinal (Game 1), while the remaining two teams face off in the other semifinal (Game 2). The winners of these two games will then square off in the championship game (Game 3).
Prize Pool and Payments
The four teams will compete for a substantial prize pool of $1.8 million. The championship-winning team will take home a share of $125,000 per player, while the runners-up will receive $50,000 each. Third- and fourth-place teams will receive $25,000 per player, incentivizing every team to put their best foot forward.
Team Selection and Honorary GMs
The 24 NBA All-Star selections will be evenly distributed among three teams. The rosters for Team Chuck, Team Shaq, and Team Kenny will be drafted by TNT’s Inside the NBA commentators, with Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith serving as honorary team general managers.
During TNT’s broadcast, the three experts made their respective picks, adding an element of excitement and anticipation to the pre-game build-up.
The fourth team, known as Team Candace, will be the winner of the Castrol Rising Stars championship game. This annual showcase of top first- and second-year NBA players and NBA G League standouts takes place on February 14 during NBA All-Star 2025. WNBA legend and honorary GM Candace Parker will lead Team Candace.
Team Chuck
Team Chuck, named for Charles Barkley, features a roster dominated by star players:
- LeBron James (L.A. Lakers)
- Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks)
- Kyrie Irving (injured, replaced by Anthony Davis)
- Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
- Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
- Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks)
- James Harden (LA Clippers)
- Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
Team Shaq
Team Shaq, honoring Shaquille O’Neal, brings together some of the league’s top talents:
- Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
- Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
- Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
- Tyler Herro (Miami Heat)
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Team Kenny
Kenny Smith’s team, Team Kenny, is equally competitive:
- Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
- Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers)
- Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)
- Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
Team Candace
The dynamic Team Candace, led by Candace Parker, will be determined by winners of the Rising Stars game on February 14. This team showcases future stars and adds excitement to the tournament.
Player Selection Process
The five players honored as starters in each conference will be selected through a combination of fan voting (50%), current NBA players (25%), and a media panel (25%).
The seven players honored as reserves will be chosen by NBA head coaches, ensuring a comprehensive representation of talent across the NBA.
New Format: What to Expect
This innovative format builds on the tradition of the NBA All-Star Game, bringing new excitement and competition to the event. Fans can expect fast-paced action and strategic play, with a new emphasis on briefer, more intense games.
The 74th NBA All-Star Game will kick off on Sunday, February 16, starting at 8 p.m. ET on TNT. This year’s event promises to be more engaging and rewarding for both players and spectators.
2025 NBA All-Star Game Format
Learn how the 2025 NBA All-Star Game format works
* Players named as starters during All-Star Voting
^ Trae Young will replace injured Giannis Antetokounmpo on Team Chuck
~ Kyrie Irving will replace injured Anthony Davis on Team Shaq
Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Looks
Stay tuned for exclusive behind-the-scenes looks, interviews, and highlights leading up to the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. TNT will provide comprehensive coverage, giving fans an inside look at the preparations and excitement surrounding this star-studded event.
How to Watch
The 74th NBA All-Star Game will air on TNT on Sunday, February 16, at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can also access the game on NBA App and on NBA.com/watch. Don’t miss out on this thrilling event – join the action and celebrate the best of the best in the NBA!
Get NBA League Pass TODAY
• NBA All-Star 2025: Complete coverage
#NBAAllStar2025 #NBA
#TeamChuck #TeamShaq #TeamKenny #TeamCandace
#NBAAllStarDraft #NBAStars #NBAAction #NBAAllStar2025
# # #
What Do You Think?
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the new format and these exciting matchups. Who do you think will win the championship? Share your predictions and excitement in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on all the latest NBA action.