Official statement or press release from the NBA or NBA Commissioner

NBA Unveils Four-Team Tournament for 2025 All-Star Game at Chase Center with $1.8 Million Prize Pool

Dec 17, 2024, 08:09 PM

The NBA has announced a new format for the 2025 All-Star Game, transforming it into a four-team, three-game mini-tournament to be held on February 16 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The 24 NBA All-Stars will be divided into three teams of eight players each, with the fourth team consisting of the winners of the Rising Stars Challenge. The teams will be drafted by honorary general managers Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith, while the Rising Stars team will be led by Candace Parker. Each game in the tournament will be played to a target score of 40 points, with the winners of the two semifinal games advancing to the final. The NBA aims to enhance the competitiveness of the All-Star Game, which has faced criticism for lack of defensive effort in recent years. Players on the championship-winning team will receive $125,000 each, with $50,000 for second place and $25,000 for third and fourth place.