The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is bringing a fresh twist to one of basketball’s biggest showcases, as Team World takes on the Stars and Stripes on Sunday night in a brand-new round-robin format that promises nonstop action and elite talent on the floor.

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How to Watch 2026 NBA All-Star Game

When: Sunday, February 15, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM ET
TV Channel: Peacock
Live Stream: Peacock (Watch LIVE)

Instead of the traditional single exhibition, this year’s event introduces a three-team tournament featuring USA Stars, USA Stripes, and Team World, a format designed to raise the intensity while highlighting the league’s global depth.

At the center of the spotlight is Team World, a lineup packed with international superstars who have helped redefine the modern NBA. Led by playmaking wizard Luka Dončić, reigning MVP contender Nikola Jokić, and rising phenom Victor Wembanyama, the roster also features impact players like Jamal Murray, Pascal Siakam, Karl-Anthony Towns, Alperen Şengün, and Deni Avdija. It’s a global powerhouse capable of scoring in bunches while blending size, skill, and creativity.

On the American side, the tournament splits talent across two squads. Team USA Stars brings youthful explosiveness, headlined by Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, and emerging stars like Cade Cunningham, Chet Holmgren, Tyrese Maxey, and Scottie Barnes. Their blend of speed and athleticism gives them the potential to turn every possession into a highlight.

Team USA Stripes counters with veteran star power and championship experience. Legends like LeBron James and Kevin Durant headline a loaded group that includes Kawhi Leonard, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, and Norman Powell.

2026 NBA All-Star Game Format

The new format adds real stakes to every possession. Each team plays two 12-minute round-robin games, with the best two records advancing to a Championship Game to decide the All-Star crown. If all three teams finish 1–1, point differential becomes the deciding factor, meaning style points and late-game runs suddenly matter in what has traditionally been a loose, defense-light exhibition.

That structure could dramatically change the way stars approach the game. Coaches and players may push harder to build leads or close out games, knowing every point could determine who advances. It also creates fascinating matchup dynamics, youth vs. experience, American athleticism vs. international precision, and superstar duels that fans rarely get to see on the same stage.

For fans, the biggest draw is obvious: an unmatched collection of talent sharing the floor at once. Whether it’s LeBron orchestrating, Durant pulling up from deep, Jokić threading impossible passes, or Wembanyama showcasing his otherworldly reach, the 2026 edition feels less like an exhibition and more like a global celebration of where the league is headed.

With the NBA embracing its international identity and experimenting with competitive formats, this year’s All-Star Game feels like a glimpse into the future. Team World versus the Stars and Stripes isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a showcase of how global the game has become and why fans won’t want to miss a minute of the action.’

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Massachusetts is joining a fast-growing army of U.S. states racing to claim a stake in the booming sports tourism industry before the FIFA World Cup 2026, MLB All-Star Game, and NASCAR Cup Series Championship. Along with Iowa, Kansas, Wisconsin, Florida, Delaware, and others, these states are waging a billion‑dollar sports tourism war. They’re betting big on major sporting events to fill hotel rooms, fuel local economies, and attract global visitors. With investment pouring into new stadiums, funding programs, and high-profile partnerships, these states are making sure that the biggest sports events of 2026 are more than just games—they’re massive economic windfalls.

The race is on. States like Massachusetts are committing millions of dollars to secure the rights to host marquee events, while Florida and Texas flex their muscles with sprawling sports foundations. From FIFA World Cup excitement to the electrifying NASCAR Cup Series Championship, the competition among states is fierce, with everyone eager to grab a share of the action. Don’t miss the full story on how these states are setting the stage for one of the most thrilling sports tourism battles the U.S. has ever seen before 2026!

Ready to dive in? Keep reading as we explore how these U.S. states are getting ahead in the game.

Sports tourism is booming across the United States. From rodeos to soccer, state governments are betting on big games to draw visitors and pump cash into local economies. Official programs, grant funds, and glitzy new venues are popping up from coast to coast. This report dives into state‑by‑state efforts launched before 2026, focusing solely on government and official sources. Each section below carries an attention‑grabbing sub‑headline and roughly a hundred words of easy, colourful reporting. The language is deliberately sensational and simple — like a local newspaper hawker shouting the day’s biggest scoop. Strap in as we tour the states and explore the strategies turning games into gold.

Massachusetts: FIFA Frenzy Fuels a £10 Million Sports Event Fund

The Healey‑Driscoll administration in Massachusetts isn’t just talking about football – it’s putting up £10 million to woo the world to Boston. The Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program opened in February 2026 to support major events that boost tourism. Seven FIFA World Cup matches will unfold at Gillette Stadium between 13 June and 9 July 2026. Applicants must show strong returns on investment and provide matching funds. Governor Maura Healey calls the fund a “clear commitment” to hosting marquee events and showcasing Massachusetts’ spirit while strengthening the economy. This aggressive state‑sponsored push is about bragging rights and big profits.

Virginia: Grants to Lure Big Tournaments to the Old Dominion

Virginia has written its sports ambitions into law. In October 2025, the Virginia Tourism Authority sent lawmakers a detailed plan for a Sports Tourism Grant Program. The program offers grants to attract youth, amateur, and collegiate sporting events that bring out‑of‑state visitors. Eligible applicants include destination marketing organisations, nonprofits, sports venues, and local governments. To qualify, events must be held in Virginia, draw at least 100 participants, and bring 51 percent of athletes from outside the state. Grants will be tied to economic returns and evaluated using a scoring sheet. It’s a bold plan to make Virginia a sporting powerhouse.

Iowa: New Sport Tourism Program Markets the Hawkeye State

Iowa’s Economic Development & Finance Authority launched a Sports Tourism Program to pay for marketing and promotion of professional, collegiate, and amateur events. Cities, counties, and non‑profit organisations can apply for up to 50 percent of eligible costs. The program lists eligible expenses such as vendor payments, advertising, and equipment rental while excluding bid fees and lobbying. Applications were scored on economic impact, novelty, project quality, and public‑private leverage. Though applications are now closed, the program signalled Iowa’s intent to grab a slice of the sports tourism boom. It’s a heartland play for national attention.

Indiana: Team Indiana Grants Power a Midwestern Sports Blitz

Hoosier hospitality goes for the win. The Indiana Destination Development Corporation and Indiana Sports Corporation rolled out the Team Indiana Grants to support sports tourism events. The goal is to help communities attract and grow high‑quality events that bring big spending. Events must take place in Indiana and require a grant sponsor; applicants must supply a cover letter explaining how funding will grow sports tourism. The maximum award is £20,000 per event, and recipients must file post‑event reports to claim reimbursement. Suggested criteria include generating 500 room‑nights or £100,000 in economic impact. With clear rules and a competitive edge, Indiana is playing hardball.

Kansas: A Bill to Stop Losing out on Sporting Dollars

Lawmakers in Kansas are sounding the alarm. A March 2025 briefing on House Bill 2346 declares that Kansas is losing sports tourism dollars while 23 other states have event funds. The bill would create a Kansas Sports Tourism Grant Fund to help communities attract and grow sporting events. Grants would support tourism and sports organisations bringing high‑quality competitions to Kansas and boosting visitor spending. The proposed fund would total £3.57 million annually. The plan lists grant tiers from £5,000 to £150,000 based on economic impact and hotel nights. Kansas wants in on the action and is seeking legislative approval.

Wisconsin: Ready, Set, Go! Grants Spur Competitive Events

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism recognises sports as a lucrative niche. Its Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) fund helps destinations bid for national or Midwest competitive events that generate overnight stays and major economic impact. Grants provide up to £30,000 per fiscal year and require recipients to match funds. Applicants must be destination marketing organisations or Native American tribes, and they may request half of the bid or event site costs. Scoring prioritises events that drive visitor spending, attract spectators, and fill hotel rooms. Wisconsin’s tourism bosses call sports marketing “an especially competitive segment” and are investing to win.

Florida: The Sports Foundation That Turns Games into Gold

Florida’s sun‑soaked reputation hides a sophisticated strategy. The state‑chartered Florida Sports Foundation (FSF) runs major and small market grant programs to help regional sports commissions secure professional and amateur events. FSF uses funds from speciality licence plates and private contributions. Through publications and its website, the foundation actively promotes sports tourism and touts Florida as a golf and fishing destination. Grants emphasise out‑of‑state participants, return on investment, and community support. After events, organisers must submit post‑event reports showing the actual economic impact. Florida’s world‑class venues and beaches make the pitch irresistible.

Delaware: A Capital Investment Fund Builds Sporting Venues

Tiny Delaware is making big moves. The Delaware Tourism Office launched the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund in 2023. The fund provides grants for arenas, courts, fields, and aquatic centres to attract regional and national events. Facilities must be high schools, colleges, or recreational venues that host sports tourism events, own their property, and have committed funds for completion and maintenance. Applications are judged on economic impact, geographic spread, and how improvements will boost event offerings. Although new applications are currently closed, the fund has already channelled cash into sports infrastructure that brings visitors – and their wallets – to the First State.

South Carolina: STAR Grants Light Up the Palmetto State

South Carolina’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism runs the Sports Tourism Advertising and Recruitment (STAR) grant program. In fiscal year 2023, the agency awarded 31 STAR grants to events such as the ABA Military Team Championship, Bass Pro Tour, SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, and NJCAA Softball Nationals. The grants totalled over £700,000 and supported successfully recruited sporting events across the state. By covering bidding and hosting costs, these funds help local destinations attract tournaments that pack hotels and restaurants. South Carolina’s strategy shows how targeted grants can turn communities into sports capitals.

Texas: Event Trust Funds Back Big Games and Racing

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including its incentives. The Office of the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office administers Events Trust Funds for major sporting spectacles. Updated guidelines in September 2025 explain that local governments and organising committees can apply to establish an event trust fund. The program includes the Events Trust Fund, Major Events Reimbursement Program, and Motor Sports Racing Trust Fund. Funds are based on estimated increases in tax receipts from sales, hotel stays, and car rentals. Eligible applicants must host events selected through a competitive process, and the site must be the sole host. Texas’ deep pockets help cities bid for Super Bowls, Formula 1 races, and other blockbusters.

Oklahoma: Bull Riding and MAPS Projects Drive a $250 Million Boom

Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell boasts that sports tourism generated more than £250 million for Oklahoma over two years. His July 2025 column celebrates rodeos, rowing, softball, and future soccer stadiums. The article credits Oklahoma City’s MAPS initiatives for transforming the river into a world‑class rowing venue with boathouses and a white‑water centre. The Women’s College World Series draws 115,000 ticketed spectators each year, creates 24,000 hotel stays, and brings £25 million to the local economy. With an NBA championship, bull riding stars, and Olympic events on the horizon, Oklahoma is riding high on sports tourism.

New York: Lake Placid’s Upgrades Bring the World to the Adirondacks

New York’s investment in the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) is paying off. Governor Kathy Hochul announced a 2025‑26 schedule featuring eight World Cups and national championships at Lake Placid. Upgrades totalling £750 million over the past decade have sparked an estimated £350 million in annual economic impact and support the Olympic movement. Events include mountain biking, figure skating, ski jumping, luge, biathlon, and collegiate hockey. The improved venues draw athletes preparing for the 2026 Winter Games, while tourists flock to watch world‑class competition. New York’s commitment to winter sport shows how legacy infrastructure can become a year‑round tourism engine.

North Carolina: Youth Sports Grants Kickstart Local Competitions

In 2025, North Carolina’s Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission refreshed its Youth Sports Grants. Cities, counties, schools, and nonprofits are eligible. The program offers up to £5,000 in travel funding for teams and up to £25,000 in host funding to attract state, regional, and national nonprofessional sporting events. Host funding can be used for bid fees, equipment, venues, and marketing. Grants are awarded year‑round and emphasise geographic diversity and underserved youth. Applicants must adopt the commission’s branding and promote it as a sponsor. With modest sums and open doors, North Carolina is nurturing sports tourism from the ground up.

Pennsylvania: Tourism Program Targets High‑Quality Events

In April 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development introduced the Sports Marketing and Tourism Account Program. Funded by gaming and tourism revenues, the program seeks to attract premier amateur and professional sporting and e‑sports events. Eligible applicants include municipalities, local authorities, and nonprofits taking part in competitive site selection. Grants help cover event preparations, venue improvements, marketing, media, site fees, and public infrastructure but cap renovation or acquisition support at 20 percent. Recipients must grant the state sponsorship benefits worth up to 10 percent of the award and prominently display the Visit PA logo. Applications, reviewed quarterly, must project jobs, tax revenue, direct spending, and hotel room nights. Pennsylvania’s new fund is a direct bid for Super Bowls, World Cup matches, and other mega‑events.

Maryland: Youth & Amateur Grants Fuel Big Dreams

The Maryland Sports Commission administers the Youth & Amateur Sports Grant and Michael Erin Busch Fund. The program’s purpose is to bring new youth and amateur sporting events to Maryland and enhance annual sports tourism. To qualify, events must attract at least 750 participants and 1,500 spectators or generate over £100,000 in out‑of‑state visitor spending and 500 hotel room nights. Eligible applicants are nonprofits; for‑profit organizers must partner with a nonprofit and provide proof of tax‑exempt status. Grants range from £2,500 to £75,000 per event and may cover no more than 30 percent of the budget. Events must be held within Maryland, and those crossing state lines need advance approval. With these guidelines, Maryland aims to stay competitive in the national sports tourism race.