The NBA and the NBPA (National Basketball Players Association) are planning to meet with the 24 All-Stars participating in the upcoming All-Star tournament this Sunday. The focus of the meeting is to emphasize the significance of effort and competitiveness during the game.

Efforts to increase the competitiveness have become necessary due to a perceived decline in participation in recent years. Critics have pointed out that the quality of play during the All-Star Game has decreased, prompting the league to explore various formats. This year’s tournament will see a shift from a traditional single game to a four-team format, also including the winner of the Rising Stars Challenge.

The tournament format aims to boost viewer engagement but has faced challenges in getting players to commit fully to such latter-stage games amid the regular season grind. The league’s previous attempts to motivate players through various schemes, including drafting team captains and alternating team conferences, have not met expectations for delivering exciting basketball.

“Efforts in recent All-Star Games have waned dramatically,” said a source regarding the changes.

Recent attempts to find a balance between player safety and fan satisfaction will come to a head in this new tournament format determined to enhance the All-Star experience.