NBC Sports is exploring potential changes to All-Star Saturday after this year’s NBA All-Star Game delivered its highest viewership in 15 years, with ideas such as adding a 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 tournament under consideration.
Executive producer Sam Flood told Front Office Sports the network is already proposing ways to enhance the Saturday showcase.
“On the NBC side, we’re thinking if there’s another element that could be added that would make Saturday even more of a showcase for the players,” Flood said.
The new USA vs. World format helped fuel strong ratings, averaging 8.8 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo and peaking at 9.8 million – an 87% increase from last year’s 4.7 million audience on TNT Sports.
The event featured three teams, Team USA Stars, Team USA Stripes, and Team World, competing in a round-robin format.
Anthony Edwards earned MVP honors with 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Victor Wembanyama led Team World with 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
The ratings boost was aided by network television exposure, a large Olympic lead-in averaging 26.6 million viewers, and an earlier start time. NBA president of league operations Byron Spruell said the format delivered the competitive intensity the league hoped for.
“The level of competition increased, the intensity on the floor was elevated and the players embraced the opportunity to represent their home countries and regions,” Spruell told FOS.
While a fourth Saturday event is being discussed, the Slam Dunk Contest is expected to remain, with NBC analyst Vince Carter exploring ways to rejuvenate the competition.
“He’d love to help any way he can to get the same kind of caliber of dunkers that he had back when he was competing against the best of the best,” Flood said.
The 2027 NBA All-Star Weekend will be held in Phoenix.
NBC Proposing 1-On-1 Or 2-On-2 Tournament Over NBA All-Star Weekend https://t.co/H5CrWVxFma
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 18, 2026
