NBA All-Star Weekend Criticized for Lack of Basketball Focus and Disjointed Format

The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend faced backlash for prioritizing entertainment and marketing over basketball, while raising questions about the future of TNT's 'Inside the NBA' crew.

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game featured just 42 minutes of basketball during a three-hour broadcast, with significant airtime dedicated to ads, mini-games, and non-basketball segments.
The new tournament-style format, including the addition of a Rising Stars team, was widely panned for disrupting game flow and reducing player engagement.
Fan-favorite moments, such as an 18-year-old college student winning a $100,000 shooting challenge, highlighted the event’s entertainment focus but drew attention away from competitive basketball.
A heartfelt tribute to the 'Inside the NBA' crew sparked speculation about the future of the beloved TNT show, with Charles Barkley reaffirming his commitment to the network while Shaquille O'Neal’s status remains uncertain.
Despite criticisms, the weekend generated an estimated $350 million in economic impact for the Bay Area, with Oakland's events garnering more authentic fan engagement than those at San Francisco's Chase Center.