The 75th NBA All-Star Weekend reaches its fever pitch today as the league's elite talents descend upon the new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. For the first time since 2002, the festivities are being broadcast on NBC and Peacock, bringing a wave of nostalgia with the return of "Roundball Rock" to accompany the high-flying action. With the 2026 NBA All-Star Saturday Night set to tip off at 8 p.m. ET, basketball fans are preparing for a historic evening featuring the Starry 3-Point Contest, the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, and the revamped Kia Shooting Stars competition.
NBA All-Star Weekend Results Today: Friday Night Recap
Before looking ahead to tonight's main events, the weekend kicked off with thrilling action on Friday. In the Rising Stars Challenge, "Team Vince," coached by Hall of Famer Vince Carter, took home the trophy by defeating Team Melo 25-24 in a dramatic final. Philadelphia 76ers rookie sensation V.J. Edgecombe was named the Rising Stars MVP after sinking the game-winning free throws and dominating the semi-final round.
Earlier in the evening, the Celebrity Game saw Rome Flynn earn MVP honors for the second consecutive year. Flynn dropped 17 points to lead Team Giannis—coached by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Dodgers star Mookie Betts—to a 65-58 victory over Team Anthony. These early NBA All-Star Weekend results today have set a high bar for the individual competitions taking center stage tonight.
Previewing the Slam Dunk Contest Winners 2026
The night's closing act, the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, features a field of hungry young leapers looking to etch their names in history. While Mac McClung is not defending his title this year, the field is wide open for a new aerial artist to emerge. The four participants vying to become the Slam Dunk Contest winners 2026 will remember are:
- Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs)
- Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Keshad Johnson (Miami Heat)
- Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic)
Jaxson Hayes represents the local hope, trying to bring a trophy to the Lakers faithful in their rival Clippers' building. However, many eyes are on Jase Richardson, son of two-time dunk champion Jason Richardson, to see if he can replicate his father's gravity-defying feats from the early 2000s. Without a clear superstar favorite, the door is open for a breakout performance that could revitalize the event.
NBA 3-Point Contest Highlights & Storylines
The Starry 3-Point Contest arguably boasts the most star-studded lineup of the weekend. The headline story is the shocking return of Damian Lillard. Despite being sidelined for the season with a torn Achilles, reports confirm the two-time champion will make a stationary return to the court to compete, a testament to his shooting greatness. He faces stiff competition, including Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), Devin Booker (Suns), and Tyrese Maxey (76ers).
Keep an eye on rookie sharpshooter Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets and veteran Bobby Portis Jr., the only non-guard in the field, who is looking to become just the fourth big man in history to win the crown. Fans should expect plenty of viral NBA 3-Point Contest highlights as this deep field takes aim at the mountain of money balls.
NBA on NBC Return 2026: A New Era Begins
Beyond the players, the venue and broadcast itself are major stories. The NBA on NBC return 2026 marks a significant shift in the sports media landscape. Broadcasting from the $2 billion Intuit Dome, NBC is deploying cutting-edge technology, including "halo board" stats integration, while leaning into the nostalgia of their 90s coverage. For many fans, hearing the iconic theme music again makes this Saturday night feel like a major event.
The Intuit Dome Los Angeles sports events calendar has been packed since opening, but this is its first global basketball showcase. The arena's steep "Wall" of fans is expected to create an intense atmosphere for the shooters and dunkers, unlike the more cavernous feel of typical football stadiums used in recent years.
LeBron James All-Star Game Status & Sunday Preview
Looking ahead to Sunday's main event, the big question has been the LeBron James All-Star Game status. After missing a game earlier this week and being removed from the injury report just before the break, James is confirmed to participate in his record-breaking 22nd All-Star appearance. Although his streak of 21 consecutive starts has ended, he will suit up for the new "USA vs. World" round-robin tournament format.
Sunday's game will feature three teams—two from the USA (Stars and Stripes) and one World Team—competing in mini-games. This format change aims to inject competitive fire back into the game, with international stars like Luka Dončić (health permitting) and Victor Wembanyama leading the charge against the American squads.
