NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged that the recent All-Star Game format was a 'miss,' following feedback from fans during a Board of Governors meeting.

The All-Star weekend in February 2025 featured a controversial four-team tournament, which included a team of non-All-Stars, but was criticized for lengthy breaks and an emphasis on entertainment over competition.

Silver recognized that interruptions during the event, particularly a ceremony honoring TNT's broadcasting team, frustrated viewers and detracted from the overall experience.

Fans expressed dissatisfaction with the new format, citing lengthy stoppages between games and during the final, which disrupted the game's flow.

Despite various changes to the All-Star format over the years, both players and fans have shown indifference, raising concerns about the event's future.

Silver noted that the lack of competitive spirit among players was apparent, as they had little incentive to fully engage in the All-Star game.

He emphasized the need to find a balance between sport and entertainment for future All-Star events, indicating that a recalibration is necessary for improvement.

This season, the NBA introduced a tournament format where three teams of eight All-Stars competed alongside a team of Rising Stars.

There is interest in a Team USA versus Team World format, but logistical challenges, such as roster imbalances, make it difficult to implement.

Silver compared the NBA's All-Star event unfavorably to the NHL's Four Nation's Face-Off, which succeeded due to intense competition and enthusiastic fan engagement.

Looking ahead, NBC will take over broadcasting for All-Star Weekend next season due to the NBA's new national media rights deal, which may influence future formats.

Ultimately, Silver noted that while the intention was to celebrate TNT's last All-Star broadcast, it ultimately detracted from the viewer experience.