In the inaugural USA vs. World format, Team Stars defeated Team Stripes 47-21 to claim the 2026 NBA All-Star championship at Intuit Dome. Anthony Edwards earned MVP honors with 32 points across the tournament. The round-robin setup delivered competitive play before the lopsided final.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game introduced a fresh USA vs. World format featuring three teams: the young USA Stars, veteran USA Stripes, and international Team World. Played in 12-minute games at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on February 15, the event consisted of a round-robin tournament followed by a championship matchup.
Game 1 saw USA Stars edge Team World 37-35 in overtime, with Scottie Barnes hitting a game-winning 3-pointer in a first-to-5 format. Victor Wembanyama started strong for Team World, scoring the first seven points and adding blocks, but USA Stars rallied late, tying on an Anthony Edwards 3-pointer.
In Game 2, USA Stripes upset USA Stars 42-40 on De’Aaron Fox’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer after Edwards had given his team a late lead. Jaylen Brown led Stripes with 11 points.
Game 3 pitted USA Stripes against Team World, ending 48-45 in favor of Stripes thanks to Kawhi Leonard’s 31 points on 9-of-11 shooting, including the go-ahead 3. Wembanyama scored 19 for Team World, which was eliminated despite his efforts.
The final was a mismatch, with USA Stars dominating USA Stripes 47-21. Edwards tallied 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in the title game, finishing the tournament with 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists on 13-of-22 shooting. Tyrese Maxey added 9 points, helping the young squad showcase their energy.
Former President Barack Obama attended, even securing a loose ball courtside. The format injected competitiveness into the event, though the final lacked intensity as veterans appeared fatigued after three games.
