The NBA All-Star games were one of the biggest attractions back in the day. However, over the years, the East vs. West narrative seemed to have lost its essence drastically. With a significant plummet in the ratings, NBA commissioner Adam Silver brought in radical changes in the 2025 edition. Instead of the All-Star game being one single game, this year, it will be played in a tournament format. However, even with the revamped version of the All-Stars, the reactions from the fans seem to be mixed.
Thus, trying to keep some strong backups ready, Adam Silver has hinted at a rather surprising format going forward. According to news from Marc J Spears, the NBA All-Star game might witness a potential USA vs. the World format sometime in the future.
Adam Silver says there could be a USA vs. World format in the NBA All-Star game one day, per @MarcJSpears pic.twitter.com/XvZHgjyFI6
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 11, 2025
Coming back to the present day, Silver does not seem to be much concerned about the half-hearted embracing of the new format. Silver opined that there can never be 100% satisfaction, whatever the format might be. Meanwhile, as interesting as the USA vs. World format might sound, there will be some significant complications arising. Adam Silver is fully aware of this.
Adam Silver Discusses Complications To The USA vs. The World Format
Despite Adam Silver hinting at a probable USA vs. World format, he is also unsure of how exactly the plan would work out. This is because, of late, the NBA realm has witnessed a significant spurt of international athletes blossoming.
Speaking on the matter, Silver mentioned, “People have talked about let’s do sort of a rider cup approach, USA vs. international players. That’s something we’ve thought a lot about but the issue with doing that right now is we’ve had tremendous growth over the years in international players, roughly 30% of the league now.” He further added, “I think last time we were in the Bay Area for the All-Star game, 8% of the players were born in the United States, now it’s 30%.”
"We're going to look at USA vs International. I just think maybe we're past that point where we're going to play a truly competitive game."
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 23, 2024
– Adam Silver on the All-Star game
(h/t @BasketballOnX )
pic.twitter.com/qfW8xhiorg
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Surely, a lot of permutations and combinations are being tried out at the moment. What will actually work is an answer that only Father Time can provide.
Also Read: 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend: Who’s The First-Ever “On-Court Emcee” For This Year’s Game? Find Out
