The Return of the NBA All-Star Weekend
The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend is set to electrify San Francisco with a series of star-studded events and thrilling competitions. From the celebrity All-Star game to the highly anticipated dunk contest, there’s no shortage of excitement for basketball fans. This year, the weekend promises to bring back the spectacular showmanship that has made it a highlight of the NBA calendar. The dunk contest, in particular, is a fan favorite, and with reigning two-time champion Mac McClung expected to return, the stage is set for an unforgettable display of athleticism and creativity.
The AT&T Slam Dunk Contest: A Show of Skill and Showmanship
The AT&T Slam Dunk Contest is one of the most anticipated events of All-Star Weekend. This year, Mac McClung of the Orlando Magic will be back to defend his title, bringing his signature flair and athleticism to the competition. Joining him are three other dynamic participants: Matas Buzelis from the Chicago Bulls, Stephon Castle from the San Antonio Spurs, and Andre Jackson Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks. Each of these players has the potential to wow the crowd with innovative and high-flying dunks. The dunk contest is just one of three events on All-Star Saturday Night, alongside the Kia Skills Challenge and the Starry 3-point Contest, making it a night of non-stop excitement.
Dates and Times: Mark Your Calendars
All-Star Weekend kicks off on Friday, February 14, with the All-Star celebrity game at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Rising Stars competition at 9 p.m. ET. On Saturday, February 15, the NBA All-Star practice starts at 2 p.m. ET on NBA TV, with the NBA HBCU Classic following at 5 p.m. ET. The main event of the evening, All-Star Saturday Night, begins at 8 p.m. ET and will feature the Kia Skills Challenge, the Starry 3-point Contest, and the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest. The weekend concludes on Sunday, February 16, with the NBA Legends Brunch at 2 p.m. ET and the All-Star semifinal and championship games starting at 8:20 p.m. ET and 9:10 p.m. ET, respectively, with the championship game at 10 p.m. ET.
The Teams: A Lineup of Superstars
This year, the All-Star players have been divided into four teams of eight players each, drafted by TNT analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Candace Parker, and Kenny Smith. Team Chuck, led by Charles Barkley, includes Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Pascal Siakam, Alperen Sengun, Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell, and Trae Young, with Young replacing the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo. Team Shaq, drafted by Shaquille O’Neal, boasts LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, with Irving stepping in for the injured Anthony Davis. Team Kenny, selected by Kenny Smith, features Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jalen Williams, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham, and Tyler Herro. Team Candace, drafted by Candace Parker, is yet to be finalized but promises to be just as competitive.
The Celebrity Game: A Night of Fun and Entertainment
The Friday night Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game is always a treat, blending the worlds of sports and entertainment in a fun and lighthearted setting. This year’s roster includes a mix of well-known personalities such as Shaboozey, Noah Kahan, Terrell Owens, Matt Barnes, and Walker Hayes, among others. These participants, ranging from musicians to athletes, bring a unique energy to the game, ensuring that fans are entertained both on and off the court. Whether you’re tuning in to see your favorite celebrity show off their basketball skills or to catch some unexpected moments of humor, the celebrity game is not to be missed.
How to Watch All the Action
Finding the best way to watch all the events of the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend is crucial to ensure you don’t miss a moment. While Fubo is a popular choice for live sports, it doesn’t carry TNT, which will be broadcasting most of the weekend’s coverage, including the dunk contest. Instead, services like DirecTV and Hulu with Live TV offer comprehensive access to TNT, ESPN, ABC, NBA TV, and ESPN2, making them ideal options for fans looking to catch every game and event. DirecTV, in particular, stands out with its extensive selection of channels and the option to add NBA League Pass for full access to out-of-market games. For Max subscribers, the B/R Sports add-on is currently available for free, allowing you to watch live NBA games and All-Star Weekend coverage on TBS, TNT, and truTV. NBA League Pass also offers a premium plan that lets fans stream up to three devices at once and access 4-game multi-view and 24/7 NBA TV, with a special 30% discount on gift subscriptions available through February 14. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, there are plenty of options to stay connected and enjoy the action from start to finish.
Get Ready for a Weekend to Remember
With a lineup of top talent, exciting new formats, and a city known for its vibrant atmosphere, the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend is shaping up to be a must-watch event. From the innovative dunks that will light up the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest to the skills showcased in the Kia Skills Challenge and the Starry 3-point Contest, there’s something for everyone. The Friday night celebrity game and the Rising Stars competition will provide a mix of entertainment and emerging talent, while the legendary players in the NBA Legends Brunch will offer a nostalgic touch. As the teams prepare to battle it out on Sunday, fans can expect a weekend filled with unforgettable moments and top-tier basketball. So, mark your calendars and tune in to experience the magic of NBA All-Star Weekend 2025.
