NBA All-Star Weekend 2026: Rising Stars Game Overview

The anticipation leading up to the NBA All-Star Weekend is palpable, especially with the exciting addition of renowned basketball figures Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Austin Rivers as honorary coaches for the 2026 Rising Stars Game. This thrilling event will occur on February 13, 2026, at 9 p.m. Eastern, right in the heart of the All-Star festivities in Los Angeles. Fans can catch all the action on NBC and stream it live on Peacock. With such high-profile coaches taking the helm, basketball enthusiasts can expect an event filled with action, strategy, and plenty of memorable moments.

This year’s edition of the Rising Stars Game promises to be particularly captivating, showcasing a roster rich with talent thanks to an impressive crop of rookies and second-year players. Rising stars like Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, VJ Edgecombe, Dylan Harper, Derik Queen, and Tre Johnson are slated to participate. Additionally, notable sophomore talents include Stephon Castle, Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr, and Zaccharie Risacher. These rising athletes are expected to bring their A-game, making the competition intense and entertaining for viewers.

The format of the game adds another layer of excitement. Teams will be drafted on January 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock. The Rising Stars will be divided into three teams featuring NBA rookies and sophomores, while a fourth team will represent NBA G League players. The competition will unfold in a straightforward tournament format: the first team to reach or surpass 40 points in the initial round will secure a spot in the championship game. That final tilt will see a new twist, where the first team to reach 25 points emerges as the champion, amplifying the stakes and ensuring a fast-paced, exhilarating environment.

Another highlight of this All-Star Weekend is, of course, the main NBA All-Star Game itself. Set for February 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, the event aims to celebrate the overarching talent in the league while providing fans with a spectacular display of athleticism and skill. All events during this weekend, including the Rising Stars Game and the highly anticipated All-Star Saturday Night (featuring the Dunk Contest and 3-Point Contest), will be accessible to viewers on NBC and Peacock, maximizing the potential reach for fans eager to engage with the festivities.

For fans wondering how to catch all the action, NBC Sports has made it easy. The network will offer various viewing options tailored to suit different schedules. "Peacock NBA Monday" will stream up to three games each week throughout the regular season. Fans can also thrillingly witness doubleheaders on "Coast 2 Coast Tuesday," available nationwide. A new feature, "Sunday Night Basketball," will roll out starting February 1, 2026, providing viewers with even more opportunities to engage with the league. Checking local listings for specific game times and updates will ensure fans stay glued to their screens for pivotal matchups.

In summary, the NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 is shaping up to be a remarkable event, especially with the Rising Stars Game showcasing budding talent from both the NBA and G League. With Hall of Fame coaches guiding the teams, exciting rookie and sophomore talent, and a streamlined tournament format, this year’s Rising Stars Game is blending nostalgia with fresh excitement. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a spectacular evening of basketball brilliance on February 13, 2026, followed by the much-anticipated All-Star Game just two days later. Engage with the festivities through NBC and Peacock for an unforgettable All-Star experience.