'US-versus-World' All-Star Game divides NBA playersVictor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs takes a shot against Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half of their NBA game at the Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Once a highlight of the calendar, the All-Star Game has suffered from a lack of competitiveness and declining audiences, forcing NBA bosses to pivot from the traditional East-versus-West format. "We've seen that many of the best players have been increasingly foreign players. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander -- all foreign players -- have swept the last seven league MVP awards. "I just feel like fans and media need something to complain about, and the All-Star Game don't make them feel like it made them feel back when they was kids," he said.

Source: Philippine Star February 15, 2026 04:28 UTC