2026 NBA All-Star Starters Revealed, LeBron’s Historic Streak Snapped
INGLEWOOD, 20 January 2026 – The NBA has officially ushered in a new era, announcing the 10 starters for the 2026 All-Star Game which will debut a groundbreaking USA versus World format. The revelation, made on 19 January, delivered a seismic shift, ending LeBron James’ record streak of 21 consecutive seasons as an All-Star starter.
The Starting Ten
Selected through a weighted vote from fans (50%), players (25%), and media (25%), the starters represent the league’s elite talent and its increasing international flavour. For the first time, voting was conducted without regard to position.
The Eastern Conference starters are Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Boston’s Jaylen Brown, New York’s Jalen Brunson, Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, and Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey.
The Western Conference is led by Golden State’s Stephen Curry, the LA Lakers’ Luka Doncic, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver’s Nikola Jokic, and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama.
Key Facts: The 2026 All-Star Revolution
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Format | USA vs. World. Three teams (two USA, one World) in a round-robin tournament. |
| Game Structure | Four 12-minute games. The top two teams advance to a championship game. |
| Location & Date | Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California. Sunday 15 February 2026. |
| Broadcast | NBC and Peacock in the United States. |
| LeBron James’ Status | Not named a starter, ending a 21-year streak. Eligible as a reserve or injury replacement. |
| Projected World Team Starters | Antetokounmpo, Doncic, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, Wembanyama. |
End of an Era, Start of Another
LeBron James’ omission from the starting five marks the close of one of the most remarkable individual streaks in professional sports. Having been a starter every year since 2005, his absence signals a symbolic passing of the torch. James, who missed the start of the season with a back issue, can still be selected as a reserve by coaches or as an injury replacement by Commissioner Adam Silver, especially with the game being held in Los Angeles.
The new format is designed to inject competitiveness and national pride into the midseason showcase. The “World” team, likely to be built around the five international starters, presents a formidable challenge with its blend of size, skill, and MVP pedigree.
Australian Angle
While no Australian was among the named starters, the World team projections have sparked discussion around Australian Boomers star Josh Giddey. Now with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey has been highlighted in league analysis as a potential candidate for the international squad, which requires eight players. Fellow Australian Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks continues to build his case as a versatile defensive guard in the league.
The news coincides with strong performances from Australians domestically, with the NBL’s “Next Stars” programme continuing to be a proven pathway to the NBA, as exemplified by Giddey’s own journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the new USA vs. World format work?
There will be three teams of at least eight players each: two teams composed of American players and one “World” team of international players. They will play a round-robin tournament consisting of 12-minute games. The top two teams after the round-robin face off in a 12-minute championship game.
Can LeBron James still play in the All-Star Game?
Yes. While he is not a starter, NBA head coaches will vote for 14 reserves (seven per conference). James is a strong candidate for one of those spots. Furthermore, Commissioner Adam Silver can appoint injury replacements, which could be another avenue for James to extend his record for total All-Star selections.
When will the full All-Star rosters be announced?
The reserves, selected by NBA head coaches, are scheduled to be announced on 1 February 2026. These selections will complete the 24-player pool that will be divided into the three teams.
Where can I watch the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in Australia?
Broadcast details for Australia have not been officially announced at this time. Historically, the event has been available through local sports networks and streaming services that hold NBA broadcast rights.