NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 runs February 13 through 15 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, featuring a new U.S. vs. World round-robin tournament format that replaces the old East vs. West exhibition. It is the first All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome and the first in Inglewood since the Forum hosted in 1983.
With championship game LX in the books — Seattle Football beat New England Football 29-13, with Kenneth Walker III earning MVP honors — the sports calendar turns immediately to Los Angeles for NBA All-Star Weekend. A completely new competitive format, a state-of-the-art venue, and the LA entertainment machine make this one of the most anticipated All-Star events in years. This guide covers the new format, the full weekend schedule, where to stay in the Inglewood-LA area, and how to plan a trip that covers all three nights.
What Is the New All-Star Game Format and Why Does It Matter?
The NBA has replaced the traditional East vs. West exhibition with a round-robin tournament designed to bring real competition back to All-Star Weekend. Twenty-four All-Stars are split into three teams: two composed of American players (USA Stars and USA Stripes) and one international squad (Team World). The teams compete in a round-robin featuring four 12-minute games, with the top two advancing to a championship game on Sunday night.
According to the NBA’s own viewership data, All-Star Game ratings declined for several consecutive years under the old format because the games lacked competitive intensity. The round-robin structure changes that by introducing elimination stakes — teams that lose are out. For fans attending in person, that means multiple meaningful games across the weekend instead of a single exhibition padded with ceremonies. The international angle adds genuine pride and rivalry, as players representing their home countries historically compete harder than conference-assigned teammates. A 2025 Sports Business Journal survey found that 71 percent of NBA fans rated the new format as “more interesting” than the previous format before a single game had been played.
What to Expect Inside Intuit Dome
The Intuit Dome opened in 2024 as the Clippers’ new home and immediately established itself as one of the most technologically advanced arenas in the world. The centerpiece is the Halo Board — the largest double-sided LED screen in any arena worldwide — which wraps 360 degrees above the court and creates a visual experience that no other NBA venue can match.
- The Halo Board: 38,375 square feet of LED screen surrounding the arena bowl. During All-Star Weekend, expect the production value to be pushed further than any regular-season game
- The Wall: A 51-row, 4,500-seat section behind one basket designed for the most engaged fans. No suites, no premium seating — just atmosphere. This section will be electric during the Slam Dunk Contest and round-robin games
- Cashless and phone-free zones: The arena operates entirely cashless and has experimented with phone-free sections during concerts. For All-Star Weekend, standard phone use is expected — but the technology infrastructure means fast Wi-Fi, mobile ordering for food, and seamless digital ticketing
- Capacity: Approximately 18,000 for basketball, making it more intimate than many NBA arenas. Every seat has a clear sightline, and the steep rake of the upper sections brings even the highest rows closer to the action
What Happens Each Night of All-Star Weekend?
All three nights take place at the Intuit Dome, and each is ticketed separately. The pricing and demand escalate from Friday through Sunday, with the All-Star Game itself commanding the highest premiums. NBC broadcasts the All-Star Game for the first time since 2002, which adds a layer of production value and national attention to Sunday night.
Friday night features the Rising Stars Challenge — first and second-year players showcasing the NBA’s next generation. It is the most affordable night to attend and often delivers the most exciting individual performances because young players are competing for recognition. Saturday night is the fan-favorite session: the Slam Dunk Contest, Three-Point Contest, and Skills Challenge. According to the NBA, Saturday night consistently draws the highest social media engagement of any single session across the weekend. Sunday night brings the main event — round-robin games and the championship game under the new format.
How to Decide Which Nights to Attend
Not every fan needs to attend all three nights, and choosing the right session depends on what you value most.
- Friday only (Rising Stars): Best for budget-conscious fans who want the All-Star Weekend atmosphere at the lowest ticket price. The young talent showcase is genuinely entertaining and the arena energy is high
- Saturday only (Contests): Best for fans who want the most pure entertainment value. The Dunk Contest is the cultural centerpiece of All-Star Weekend, and the Three-Point Contest delivers consistent excitement
- Sunday only (All-Star Game): Best for fans who want the marquee event and the new competitive format. This is the most expensive night and the hardest ticket to get
- Full weekend (all three nights): Best for fans making a once-in-a-few-years trip. Three nights at the Intuit Dome plus LA’s food, entertainment, and nightlife scene makes for a packed long weekend. NBA travel packages from Major League Vacations bundle all three sessions with hotel and transportation for a single booking
Where Should You Stay and How Do You Get Around LA?
The Intuit Dome is in Inglewood, adjacent to SoFi Stadium and roughly 12 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles. LA’s famously challenging traffic means that where you stay relative to the arena determines how much of your trip is spent in a car versus enjoying the city. According to the LA Tourism and Convention Board, over 50 million people visited Los Angeles in 2024, and the infrastructure around Inglewood has improved significantly since SoFi Stadium opened in 2020.
Inglewood itself has limited hotel inventory compared to downtown LA, Santa Monica, or Hollywood. The smart strategy is staying in a neighborhood that balances arena access with things to do when you are not at the game. The new K Line metro extension connects Inglewood to downtown LA and other metro-accessible neighborhoods, though service can be slow during peak hours.
Best Neighborhoods for All-Star Weekend
- Inglewood / LAX area: Closest to the Intuit Dome with the easiest game-night logistics. Hotels near LAX offer competitive pricing and are 10 to 15 minutes from the arena. The trade-off is limited nightlife and dining compared to other LA neighborhoods
- Downtown LA: The best concentration of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. The Arts District, Little Tokyo, and Grand Central Market are all walkable from downtown hotels. Getting to Inglewood takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic
- Santa Monica / Venice: Beach access, the Santa Monica Pier, Abbott Kinney restaurants, and a relaxed California vibe. The drive to Inglewood is 20 to 40 minutes depending on the time of day
- Hollywood / West Hollywood: Nightlife, celebrity culture, and the Sunset Strip. A 30 to 45-minute drive to the arena, but ideal for fans who want the LA entertainment experience between games
A custom travel package from Major League Vacations includes hotel selection optimized for arena access and LA exploration, plus game-night transportation so you are not navigating LA traffic after a 10:00 PM tip-off.
What Else Is There to Do in LA During All-Star Weekend?
Los Angeles needs no introduction as an entertainment destination, but All-Star Weekend adds NBA-specific events and parties on top of the city’s already deep bench of attractions. The NBA hosts a fan festival with interactive basketball experiences, and unofficial All-Star events — brand activations, player-hosted parties, and concert series — pop up across the city throughout the weekend.
Beyond basketball, February in LA offers some of the best weather in the country. Daytime temperatures hover around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the combination of beaches, hiking, food, and entertainment is impossible to match. According to the LA Tourism Board, February is one of the city’s most popular months for domestic visitors because the weather is warm while much of the country is still in winter.
Top Non-Basketball Activities During Your Trip
- Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Sign hike: One of the best free activities in LA with panoramic views of the city and the iconic sign. Best in the morning before crowds build
- Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier: A 20-minute drive from Inglewood. Walk the Venice boardwalk, grab lunch on Abbott Kinney, and hit the Santa Monica Pier for the classic LA beach day
- LA food scene: Grand Central Market downtown, Jonathan Gold’s legacy restaurants across the city, and some of the best Mexican, Korean, and Japanese food in the country. February is a great time for outdoor dining on LA patios
- Getty Center or LACMA: World-class art museums that work perfectly as a daytime activity between game nights. The Getty’s hilltop setting offers stunning views of the city and the Pacific
- Lakers or Kings game: Check whether the Lakers or LA Kings have a home game during the All-Star break window. Adding an extra basketball or hockey game at Crypto.com Arena extends the sports experience
Ready to plan your NBA All-Star Weekend trip? Browse NBA travel packages or build a custom All-Star itinerary with Major League Vacations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NBA All-Star Weekend tickets cost?
Prices vary significantly by session. Friday night Rising Stars tickets are the most affordable, typically starting around $100 to $200 on the resale market. Saturday night contest tickets range from $200 to $500. Sunday night All-Star Game tickets carry the highest premiums, often starting at $500 for upper-level seats and exceeding $2,000 for lower bowl. Full-weekend packages bundle all three sessions at a better per-session rate.
Is All-Star Weekend worth attending in person?
Yes, especially in a venue like the Intuit Dome where the technology and sightlines are designed to maximize the fan experience. The Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest on Saturday night are the highlights — the crowd energy during live dunks is something that television cannot replicate. The new round-robin format on Sunday should add competitive stakes that previous All-Star Games lacked.
Do I need a car in Los Angeles?
For most visitors, yes — or at least a plan for rideshare. LA’s public transit is improving but still limited compared to cities like New York or Chicago. The K Line metro connects Inglewood to downtown, but it is slow. For getting between your hotel, the arena, restaurants, and attractions, rideshare or a rental car is the most practical option. Travel packages with transportation included eliminate this concern entirely.
What is the best way to get to the Intuit Dome?
Rideshare drop-offs and the K Line metro are the primary options. The arena has limited parking and charges premium rates on event nights. Organized shuttles from nearby hotels — available through travel packages — are the most stress-free option, especially after late-night sessions that end past 10:00 PM.
When should I book my All-Star Weekend trip?
As early as possible. All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles will draw national and international visitors, and hotel inventory in the Inglewood-LAX corridor is limited. Booking two to three months ahead gives you the best hotel selection and pricing. Ticket prices on the resale market tend to climb as the weekend approaches, so early buyers also get better seat options.
What is the weather like in LA in February?
February is one of the best weather months in Los Angeles. Daytime temperatures typically range from 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit with mostly sunny skies. Rain is possible but uncommon. Pack layers for evening games — temperatures can drop into the mid-50s after sunset, and the Intuit Dome’s climate control keeps the interior comfortable regardless.
Can I attend just one night of All-Star Weekend?
Yes — each night is ticketed separately. Saturday night (the contests) is the most popular single-session choice for fans who want the best entertainment value. Sunday night (the All-Star Game) is the marquee event. Friday night (Rising Stars) is the most affordable entry point and still delivers an excellent arena experience.