The NBA has been making adjustments to the All-Star Game format for years, and next February will see yet another shift. A report indicates that the league is considering a round-robin tournament featuring three teams to determine the champion, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. This marks the second straight year the NBA has altered its format, following last year’s mini-tournament that involved four teams.

This upcoming iteration will replace the previous Rising Stars roster with two teams from the USA and one from the World, emphasizing the league’s diverse, international talent. The plan was presented to the Competition Committee, with initial reactions being favorable.

This change is in response to what many deemed a disappointing All-Star Game last year, where player enthusiasm was lacking and the format received criticism for being overly complicated. Although this new format is not substantially different from last year’s, the introduction of a USA vs. World matchup is something fans have long desired.

While the mini-tournament will consist of just eight players per team, this represents progress, especially given the increasing number of international players in the NBA. If health permits, expect key players like Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo to represent the World team. On the USA side, there’s an expansive array of players available, reminiscent of the process of assembling a Team USA Olympic roster.

Details are still to be finalized ahead of the All-Star Game booking for February 15 in Los Angeles. Ultimately, however, the success of this event will rely on players embracing the need for competitiveness and excitement – qualities that have been missing from the All-Star festivities for over a decade.