The 2026 NBA All-Star Game averaged 8.8 million viewers, the largest audience since 2011. Viewership increased 87% from last year. The game peaked at 9.8 million viewers during the final. NBC broadcast the All-Star Game for the first time since 2002.
Viewership peaked at 9.8 million
The All-Star Game drew 8.8 million average viewers. It peaked at 9.8 million during the decisive moments of the final between USA Stripes and the World team. The 87% increase from the previous year marked the largest year-over-year jump in recent All-Star history. The last time the game drew this size audience was 2011.
NBC broadcast the game for the first time since 2002
NBC aired the All-Star Game for the first time in 24 years. The broadcast was scheduled between blocks of Winter Olympics coverage. The Olympics averaged 24.5 million viewers. The placement gave the All-Star Game access to an audience already watching NBC for sports programming. The combination of network, scheduling, and format contributed to the ratings increase.
The USA vs. World format debuted this year
The NBA introduced a USA vs. World format for the first time. Two American teams and one international team competed in a round-robin tournament. The final was a narrow victory for USA Stripes over Team World. The format replaced the traditional East vs. West structure that had drawn criticism for lacking competitive intensity.
Edwards won MVP; Wembanyama scored 33
Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves won All-Star MVP. Victor Wembanyama led Team World with 33 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks. The close games and individual performances aligned with what the format was designed to produce. The ratings suggest audiences responded to the increased competition. Whether the format becomes permanent will depend on whether the 2026 numbers hold in future years.