The recent NBA All-Star Games have proven to be duds, and there are growing calls for the introduction of a Team USA vs. Team World format. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had stated that some sort of international competition could be held in 2026, but during an appearance on the Club 520 Podcast, he explained why Team USA vs. Team World won’t be fair.
“The game itself, we’ve not put our best foot forward,” Silver said. “And I think the players recognize that, we recognize that. So, as you mentioned, we’re talking about changing the concept, doing something maybe close to what the NHL did in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
“I think if it were just a straight-up USA-World, as much as fans would love that, I’m not sure it would be fair to the players,” Silver stated. “Because roughly 30% of the players are from outside the United States, so it wouldn’t be fair to pick half the team from 30% and the other half from 70%.
“We’re looking at different formats now,” Silver continued. “Talking to the Players Association because we need their agreement where we would use that concept, again similar to [what] the NHL did, where you create that passion around the USA playing other countries, other regions in the world.”
The NHL temporarily replaced its All-Star Game with the 4 Nations Face-Off this year, and it proved to be a massive hit among the fans. The NHL players were giving it their all as they were representing their countries. You’d hope that the NBA players would do the same in a similar setup.
As Silver pointed out, it wouldn’t be fair if the NBA just went with the Team USA vs. Team World format, as the player pool is much smaller for one compared to the other. You’d imagine that if the idea were put forth, there would be some pushback from the NBA Players Association.
Previously, the NBA’s President of League Operations, Byron Spruell, had also made it clear that the league had not locked into a Team USA vs. Team World format. He added that they hope to have an international theme for the game in Los Angeles in 2026.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants The NBA To Adopt The Team USA vs. World Format
Silver and Spruell’s comments about next year’s game would disappoint Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Following the disastrous mini-tournament that was held for this year’s game, Antetokounmpo stated he would love to participate in a Team USA vs. World game.
“Oh yeah, I would love that,” Antetokounmpo said. “I think that would be the most interesting and most exciting format. I would love that and, for sure, I’ll take pride to that. I always compete but I think that will give me a little bit more extra juice to compete.
“Having Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander), (Nikola) Jokic, Luka (Doncic), Wemby (Victor Wembanyama), (Karl-Anthony) Towns, (Alperen) Sengun, having all those players playing with you … going against the best US players, I think it’ll be fun,” Antetokounmpo added. “I think that will be the best format…”
Putting the element of fairness aside for a bit, this would be an incredible clash. If the players on both teams give it their all, we’d get an All-Star Game for the ages. We won’t be getting that game, though, and it will be interesting to see what kind of format the NBA comes up with.
