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NBA All-Star Weekend Heads to Montreal!

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 4:00 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: CANADA, UNITED STATES

Montreal, Canada - February 12th, 2026 - The National Basketball Association (NBA) is gearing up for its annual All-Star Weekend, and this year, the excitement is heading north of the border to Montreal, Canada. From February 14th to 16th, the Bell Centre will be transformed into a basketball haven, hosting the league's biggest stars for a weekend of dazzling displays of athleticism, skill, and entertainment. With television coverage provided by ESPN in the United States and Sportsnet in Canada, fans worldwide will be able to witness the spectacle.

The decision to hold the All-Star Weekend in Montreal marks a significant moment for Canadian basketball. It's the first time Canada has hosted the event since 2016, and it comes at a time of burgeoning basketball popularity within the country, fueled by the success of Canadian NBA players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, and the rising star, Victor Wembanyama, who is playing for the World team in the Rising Stars event.

A Weekend of Events:

The festivities kick off on Friday, February 14th, with the always-popular NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at 7:00 p.m. ET. This game brings together celebrities from music, film, and other fields to compete in a friendly basketball match, providing plenty of laughs and unexpected moments. Following the celebrity action, the Rising Stars game, showcasing the league's most promising rookies and sophomores, will take center stage at 9:30 p.m. ET. This year's Rising Stars game features a compelling clash between Team USA and Team World, headlined by players like Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, and Victor Wembanyama.

Saturday, February 15th is dedicated to skill and spectacle. The All-Star Skills Challenge will test the players' agility, precision, and basketball IQ, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET. This is always a fan favorite, showcasing a diverse range of talents. The intensity ramps up with the All-Star Three-Point Contest at 8:30 p.m. ET, where sharpshooters battle for the title of best long-range shooter in the league. The night culminates with the breathtaking All-Star Slam Dunk Contest at 9:30 p.m. ET, featuring gravity-defying dunks and creative performances. The dunk contest consistently delivers unforgettable moments, and fans are already speculating about potential participants and innovative routines.

The Main Event: Sunday, February 16th

The crescendo of the weekend arrives on Sunday, February 16th, with the NBA All-Star Game at 8:30 p.m. ET. This year, the league utilizes the captain's format, with team captains LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo selecting their teams from the pool of All-Star players. The rosters boast a collection of the league's elite, including Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, and Kawhi Leonard. The All-Star Game isn't just about entertainment; it's a celebration of the sport and a showcase of the remarkable talent within the NBA. Notably, several players are on both rosters, creating interesting dynamics and the potential for strategic play. The presence of multiple stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards on both teams emphasizes the league's expanding global reach and rising talent.

Canadian Impact & Beyond

The hosting of the All-Star Weekend is expected to have a significant economic impact on Montreal, attracting tourists and generating revenue for local businesses. Beyond the financial benefits, it's a huge boost for basketball in Canada, inspiring a new generation of players and fans. The NBA has been actively investing in youth basketball programs across Canada, and this event will further amplify those efforts.

Looking ahead, the NBA continues to explore opportunities to expand its international presence. The success of this year's All-Star Weekend in Montreal could pave the way for future events in other global cities, solidifying the NBA's position as a truly international league. Fans can anticipate a weekend of unparalleled basketball action, thrilling competitions, and unforgettable moments in Montreal.