New season, new rules. Looks like that’s the NBA’s motto for this season’s All-Star Game/Weekend! No, of course, we aren’t joking around as Adam Smith & Co. have introduced exciting changes in the rules, as the league has decided to give the event an entirely new format, with some major introductions. With the NBA and NBPA eager to bring fresh excitement to the prestigious event, fans can expect a competitive, fast-paced All-Star Game unlike any before. So, without wasting much of our time, let’s look into the changes.

What’s the revised format? Is there a twist?

Yes, there is; there are, in fact. To make the 2025 NBA All-Star Game more dynamic, the format has been revised. For decades we have seen the traditional East vs. West showdown, but from this season the event will feature a mini-tournament. This innovative format consists of four teams competing in three games. The first two games will be the semifinals, with each featuring two teams. As a result, the winners of the two matchups will then face off in the championship game.

What sets this tournament apart- is the rule that each game will be played up to 40 points. The first team to reach/surpass 40 will be declared the winner. The quick, high-scoring nature of the games promises to provide an action-packed All-Star Sunday.

Do you know how the teams will be divided? If not, then read this, each of the teams will have eight players, and the rosters will be divided into three sets. Well, that’s not it, to add more drama, there will be one more team.

Yes, a 4th team will be included, known as Team Candace! Which will consist of players from the winning squad of the Castrol Rising Stars game, a showcase of top first- and second-year players, along with NBA G League standouts.

TNT analyst Candace Parker, the WNBA legend, will serve as the honorary GM for Team Candace! What do you think of this addition? Well, with that, let’s look into the next topic- the Draft.

The Draft: TNT analysts will select their teams live on air

NBA fans, be ready to witness the All-Star Draft in an exciting live event, conducted by TNT’s Inside the NBA team.

Which will be based on the teams drafted by Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith, aka—Team Charles, Team Shaq, and Team Kenny. The team selections will be made on Thursday, February 6, just before the network’s doubleheader that evening.

The draft process adds a unique layer of suspense and strategy to the All-Star Game. While every player gets selected, fans can expect heated debates and entertaining banter between the TNT veterans. The All-Star Draft will surely be a highlight of the event, with the picks being telecasted live, allowing fans to see the drama unfold in real time. So, before you get excited, get to know the dates.

Key Dates: The lead-up to the NBA All-Star 2025 Game

Your excitement will have to wait. The 2025 NBA All-Star festivities will begin in less than 2 months from today. So when is it? The biggest celebration, will begin, on Friday, February 14, with the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at 7 p.m. (ET), followed by the Castrol Rising Stars game at 9 p.m. (ET) at the Golden State Warriors’ home, Chase Center.

Then, on Day 2, the NBA fans will be busier, as on Saturday, February 15, the action continues with NBA All-Star Practice presented by AT&T at Oakland Arena at 2 p.m. (ET), followed by the NBA HBCU Classic (Morehouse College vs. Tuskegee University) at 5 p.m. ET.

The day will conclude with the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night at 8 p.m. (ET), Chase Center. To add more excitement to the already happening weekend, it will also feature -the Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest, all held at the Chase Center.

Finally, the highly anticipated 74th NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, February 16, at Chase Center at 8 p.m. (ET).

This coveted game has always been the crown jewel of the weekend, where the league’s biggest stars gather as a team, in front of millions of fans. So, are you ready to get busier? But, before exploring anything, let’s look into their payroll.

Payouts: A lucrative prize pool for the All-Star teams

With these major changes, how can it not be possible to have changes in the prize pool? The stakes are higher than ever for this time! Thanks to the introduction of a $1.8 million pool. Each of the four teams will be vying for a portion of the prize money, adding an extra layer of motivation for the players. The championship-winning team will receive the largest share, and each player will earn $125,000.

On the other hand, the team in second place will also be rewarded. Their players will earn $50,000 each. Nothing to be worried about for teams in the third and fourth place, as they will also receive $25,000 per player. One thing is sure, these payouts will not only make the games competitive but will also bring out the best from the players. However, amidst all the reform, there is one thing that’s almost stayed the same.

How will the NBA All-Star Game voting be? Do fans have rights?

With almost all the rules, having changed, there’s the All-Star Game voting process which has remained largely unchanged in 2025. And yes, the fans will have the opportunity to vote for the NBA All-Stars. They will be split into two groups—starters and reserves. But, how much value will this hold? The fan vote will account for 50% of the total vote, with current NBA players contributing 25% and a media panel making up the remaining 25%.

Voting for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game will open from Thursday, December 19, 2024, to Monday, January 20, 2025. NBA ID members will be able to submit one full ballot each day, choosing 3 frontcourt players and two guards from both the Eastern and Western Conference.

However, six special “3-for-1 Days” will take place throughout the voting period, where NBA ID members’ votes will count three times. These days are near, as it stands- December 21 and 25, and January 3, 10, 17, and 20 (the final day of voting).

On January 23, the NBA will announce the All-Star Game starters, and the reserves will be revealed on Thursday, January 30. With this, it ensures that both fans and players have an equal right in the selection of All-Star starters. And to add to that, the media vote adds an extra layer of insight. However, as we end our story here, we will leave you with one question: Will this new format bring more excitement to the NBA’s biggest celebration? Drop your candid thoughts below.