Karl-Anthony Towns set to represent World team in 2026 NBA All-Star Game

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to play for the World team in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. Towns’ designation follows the league’s review of player nationality for the debut U.S. vs. World format.

The Knicks star was originally selected as an Eastern Conference reserve, but his international career with the Dominican Republic positions him for Team World. This move coincides with Miami Heat guard Norman Powell also being considered for the international squad after representing Jamaica in FIBA competition.

Towns has been instrumental in New York’s strong 2025-26 campaign, helping the Knicks to a 32-18 record and second place in the Eastern Conference.

The NBA’s inaugural three-team All-Star format requires two U.S. teams and one World team to compete in a round-robin tournament, with each roster carrying at least eight players. The nationality rulings for Towns and Powell will determine the final U.S. and World rosters.

The 75th NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for February 15 at the Inuit Dome in Inglewood, California, marking the first time the league will feature the U.S. vs. World format.