The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend is set to take over San Francisco’s Chase Center from February 14 to 16, promising a fresh take on the league’s biggest midseason event.
With a revamped All-Star Game format, high-profile competitions, and a star-studded entertainment lineup, anticipation is at an all-time high. However, one major storyline is making waves before the festivities even begin-a key player has decided to sit this one out.
A fresh take on the All-Star game
This year, the NBA is shaking things up with a four-team tournament featuring squads led by basketball legends Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Candace Parker. The first three teams consist of 24 handpicked NBA All-Stars, while Team Candace will be made up of the best players from the Rising Stars game. Instead of a single matchup, the new format introduces two semi-final games, leading to a championship showdown where the first team to hit 40 points claims victory.
Adding to the entertainment, comedian Kevin Hart has been tapped as the on-court emcee for Sunday’s tournament, bringing his signature energy to the event. Meanwhile, fans can still enjoy classic All-Star Weekend competitions such as the Celebrity Game, Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest.
One of the biggest pre-event surprises came when Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark declined an invitation to participate in what could have been a legendary three-point contest. The NBA had envisioned a marquee showdown featuring Clark alongside sharpshooters Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Sabrina Ionescu, but Clark chose to sit this one out. According to her representatives, she prefers to make her three-point contest debut at the WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis this summer.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the situation, stating he respected Clark‘s decision and emphasized the importance of highlighting talent across both the NBA and WNBA.
“We have to divvy up the spoils among our many leagues. And the fact that she’s going to showcase her talents in Indianapolis, I think, is just fantastic,” Silver commented.
With just days to go, San Francisco is buzzing with excitement as the NBA’s biggest stars prepare to take center stage. While the absence of Caitlin Clark in the three-point contest is a letdown for some, the league is working to ensure the weekend delivers unforgettable moments. Whether it’s the revamped All-Star format or high-profile entertainment, the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend is shaping up to be a spectacle unlike any before.
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