New format for the NBA All-Star Game has achieved the highest ratings in 15 years
The NBA’s midseason showcase has finally achieved the excitement it has been seeking.
The first All-Star broadcast on NBC since 2002 attracted an average of 8.8 million viewers through both broadcast and streaming, representing the event’s largest audience since 2011, as reported by preliminary Nielsen data and Adobe Analytics on Monday.
The figure almost doubled last year’s total of 4.7 million viewers (an increase of 87%), a rise attributed to the new “USA vs. the World” format that provided Sunday night with a genuine appeal beyond mere highlights and handshakes.
The audience peaked at 9.8 million during the 7-7:15 p.m. ET window, as USA Stripes narrowly defeated the World team 48-45 in the most competitive and crucial moment of the tournament.
On the floor, Anthony Edwards earned MVP honors with a performance of 32 points, nine rebounds, and three assists for the USA Stars (across three 12-minute games), while Victor Wembanyama led the World side with 33 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
While it wasn’t flawless, the format provided what the league has been requesting in recent years.
The television window was beneficial as well. The game came after an entire day of coverage of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and seamlessly transitioned into NBC’s prime-time programming.
