Overview

• League and union presented the concept to the Competition Committee on Wednesday and received positive feedback, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
• The reported format features three eight-player teams — two USA squads and one World team — playing Ryder Cup-style matchups with 12-minute quarters.
• The 2026 showcase is slated for Feb. 15 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles with a switch to a Sunday afternoon broadcast on NBC.
• The shift follows a widely panned four-team mini-tournament in 2025 as the NBA continues to test formats to encourage harder play.
• Open questions include how to staff a competitive World roster, how selections will work, and what incentives will secure player buy-in.