How to Watch NBA All-Star 2026: Live Streams & TV Channels [2025]

How to Watch NBA All-Star 2026: Complete Live Stream & TV Guide

Basketball's brightest stars are about to light up the court again. The NBA All-Star Game isn't just another regular season matchup—it's the spectacle that reminds you why basketball matters. Dunks that defy physics. Three-pointers from 30 feet away. Fast breaks that make you jump off the couch.

But here's the thing: finding where to actually watch it can be a hassle. Networks change. Streaming rights move around. Time zones mess with your schedule. One minute you're excited about tip-off, the next you're scrolling through five different apps trying to figure out which one has the broadcast.

That's why we've put together this exhaustive guide to watching the 2026 NBA All-Star weekend. Whether you're in the US, Europe, Australia, or anywhere else on the planet, we'll show you exactly where to watch every game, when it starts in your timezone, and what devices you'll need.

The 2026 All-Star weekend is shaping up to be special. Young players are breaking records. Veterans are hungry for one more shot at glory. The competition level keeps climbing year after year. And unlike the regular season where teams rest players and take things easy, All-Star weekend is where egos meet talent in its purest form.

Reading time is roughly 25-30 minutes if you want the complete breakdown, but we've structured this so you can jump straight to your region and get the information you need in seconds.

TL; DR

• NBA All-Star 2026 airs on major US networks including ABC, ESPN, and TNT with multiple streaming options
• International viewers have options from Sky Sports in the UK to Kayo Sports in Australia and various regional broadcasters
• Streaming is available through ESPN+, NBA League Pass, and platform-specific apps depending on your location
• Game times vary significantly by timezone—make sure to check your local time before committing to your viewing plan
• Multiple events run all weekend including Rising Stars, Three-Point Contest, Slam Dunk Contest, and the All-Star Game itself

ABC provides the most comprehensive coverage for the NBA All-Star 2026, followed by ESPN and NBA League Pass. Estimated data based on typical coverage quality and accessibility.

The Complete NBA All-Star 2026 Weekend Schedule

The NBA All-Star weekend isn't just the game itself. It's a multi-day extravaganza that stretches across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with different competitions, skills challenges, and performances.

Friday night kicks things off with the Rising Stars Challenge, which features younger players battling for bragging rights. This game has evolved significantly over the years. It's no longer just rookies—it's second and third-year players who are hungry to prove they belong in the conversation with established stars. Teams often recruit actual NBA players to coach and mentor during these games, adding legitimacy and entertainment value.

Saturday is the real marquee event day. The Three-Point Contest typically goes first, followed by the Slam Dunk Contest. These skills competitions have actually become more compelling than the All-Star Game itself in recent years. Players spend weeks preparing, designing new dunks, practicing their three-point form. The Three-Point Contest is particularly interesting because it's one of the few All-Star events where shooting accuracy genuinely matters. You can't style your way through the competition—either you hit the shots or you don't.

The All-Star Game itself happens on Sunday evening. Two teams of twelve All-Stars play a full 48-minute NBA game, which sounds simple until you realize the defensive intensity drops considerably compared to playoff basketball. It's more exhibition than competition, but it still matters to the players. Making an All-Star team is one of the most significant individual achievements in basketball.

Timing varies each year depending on where the game is being held and television scheduling, but typically Friday events run 8-10 PM ET, Saturday events run 7-9 PM ET, and the Sunday game starts around 8 PM ET. But you'll want to verify these times closer to the date because networks occasionally shift schedules based on other programming.

Watching NBA All-Star 2026 in the United States

If you're watching from the United States, you have more options than virtually anywhere else in the world. American networks absolutely saturate the All-Star weekend with coverage because the event drives advertising revenue and viewer engagement.

ABC and ESPN Coverage

ABC will broadcast the main All-Star Game on Sunday evening. ABC is available through cable, satellite, and most streaming services. If you have cable or satellite, you're set—just find ABC in your channel lineup around 8 PM ET on Sunday. The broadcast quality is excellent, the commentary is usually stellar, and there are no geographic restrictions.

ESPN handles much of the weekend's other events. Friday's Rising Stars Challenge typically appears on ESPN, as does Saturday's Three-Point and Slam Dunk contests. ESPN is available through cable subscriptions, but it's also available through the ESPN app if you have cable authentication. You'll need to log in with your cable provider credentials to stream it through the app.

NBA League Pass

NBA League Pass is the league's official streaming service. You can subscribe to League Pass independently without needing a cable subscription. This gives you flexibility—watch on your phone, tablet, laptop, or streaming devices. League Pass includes all All-Star weekend games and events.

The caveat with League Pass is that due to local broadcast agreements, some nationally televised games are blacked out in the United States if you're in the home market. However, for the All-Star Game itself, blackout restrictions typically don't apply because it's an All-Star event, not a regular season game. Still, it's worth verifying closer to the date.

League Pass pricing varies. An annual subscription costs more upfront but works out cheaper per month. A single-month pass gives you flexibility. During the All-Star weekend specifically, you might not need to maintain a subscription all year—buying it just for that month is entirely reasonable.

ESPN+

ESPN+ is the streaming service for ESPN content. It's technically separate from ESPN's cable network, though there's overlap in programming. All-Star weekend events are usually available through ESPN+, though you'll want to check their schedule closer to the date because not every event is guaranteed to stream through the service.

ESPN+ costs about $11 per month standalone, or you can bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for better value if you use those services. For basketball specifically, it's decent, but the real question is whether you'll use it beyond All-Star weekend.

TNT and TBS

Turner Sports networks occasionally pick up All-Star weekend events. TBS in particular sometimes broadcasts the Slam Dunk Contest or other Saturday events. You'll need a cable subscription to watch live, but TNT Now and TBS apps might offer streaming if you have cable authentication.

Estimated costs for accessing NBA All-Star 2026 via different streaming services. Cable access to ABC and TNT is free, while standalone services like NBA League Pass and ESPN+ require a subscription.

Watching NBA All-Star 2026 in Canada

Canadian viewers have it pretty straightforward. Sportsnet and TSN hold broadcast rights for NBA content throughout Canada. Both networks will carry All-Star weekend games and events.

Sportsnet owns the primary rights, so check their schedule first. You can watch through cable, or if you have a Sportsnet streaming subscription, you can stream the games on your devices. TSN is a solid backup option if Sportsnet doesn't have a particular event.

Canadian cable providers often include both Sportsnet and TSN in their sports packages, so if you have cable, you're covered. For streaming, Sportsnet Now is the dedicated app where you can authenticate and watch if you have an active cable subscription.

Time zones are straightforward for Canadian viewers—if you're in Eastern Canada, you're on the same schedule as the US East Coast. Western Canada is 2-3 hours behind, so adjust accordingly.

Watching NBA All-Star 2026 in the United Kingdom and Europe

UK basketball fans rely primarily on Sky Sports for NBA coverage. Sky Sports Arena is the dedicated channel for basketball, and they'll carry All-Star weekend events. You'll need a Sky Sports subscription, which is bundled with most Sky Sports packages.

If you have Sky Sports through cable, you can watch on TV and also stream through the Sky Go app, which gives you flexibility to watch on your phone or tablet. The timing for UK viewers is interesting—most All-Star events start around midnight GMT because they're happening in the US during evening hours. That means Friday night events start around midnight, Saturday events follow suit, and Sunday's All-Star Game kicks off around 1-2 AM Monday morning UK time. It's not ideal for natural sleep schedules, but many dedicated fans adjust their schedules for these events.

Beyond the UK, European coverage varies significantly by country:

France: Canal+ holds NBA rights and broadcasts All-Star weekend events. You'll need a Canal+ subscription.

Germany and Italy: Eurosport and other regional sports broadcasters handle coverage. Specific schedules vary by broadcaster.

Spain: Movistar+ and other regional networks have rights. Check your local sports broadcasting listings.

Netherlands, Belgium, Scandinavia: Various sports broadcasters handle NBA rights regionally. Your cable provider or local sports streaming service will carry it.

The reality is that European coverage is fragmented. There's no single Europe-wide broadcaster. You'll need to identify which network has rights in your specific country. Using a VPN to access NBA League Pass from the US is technically possible but violates terms of service. Your best bet is checking with your local sports broadcaster or cable provider closer to the date.

Time zones across Europe range from GMT to Eastern European Time, so evening and overnight viewing is typical depending on your location.

Watching NBA All-Star 2026 in Australia and New Zealand

Australian basketball fans use Kayo Sports as their primary streaming service for NBA content. Kayo is an Australian sports streaming platform owned by Foxtel that includes extensive NBA coverage throughout the season, including All-Star weekend.

A Kayo Sports subscription costs around $25-40 AUD per month depending on the plan. You get access to live games, replays, and on-demand content. The platform works on most devices—smart TVs, phones, tablets, laptops. Streaming quality is generally reliable, though it depends on your internet connection.

The timing for Australian viewers is significantly different from other regions. All-Star weekend events happen Monday morning Australian Eastern Time. Friday night events in the US mean early Monday morning in Australia. Saturday's events mean Tuesday morning. The All-Star Game on Sunday US time means Tuesday morning Australian time. This actually works better for many Australian fans compared to late-night viewing—they can watch in the morning before work or school.

Seven Network (7 Plus) occasionally airs highlights or delayed broadcasts if you prefer traditional TV. But for live streaming, Kayo is your primary option.

New Zealand viewers can use Kayo Sports as well, though Sky Sport New Zealand is another option if available through your cable provider. The timing for New Zealand is similar to Australia—early morning viewing on Monday/Tuesday Australian Eastern Standard Time.

The Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest are estimated to generate the highest interest during the NBA All-Star Weekend, surpassing even the All-Star Game itself. Estimated data.

Streaming Devices and Apps You'll Need

Having identified where to watch, you now need to think about devices. Most All-Star weekend broadcasts are available across multiple devices, but compatibility varies.

Smart TVs

Most modern smart TVs have built-in apps for ESPN, ABC, ESPN+, and NBA League Pass. Samsung, LG, Roku, and others all include these apps in their app stores. If your TV doesn't have an app, it almost certainly has Air Play or Chromecast support, meaning you can stream from your phone or laptop to the TV. This is the most reliable way to watch if you have a good internet connection.

Streaming Devices

Fire TV Sticks, Roku devices, and Apple TV boxes all have the apps you need. If you're considering a streaming device specifically for basketball, any of these three are solid choices. Fire TV Sticks are the cheapest option and work great for streaming sports. Roku has the most app selection. Apple TV integrates best with the Apple ecosystem but costs more upfront.

Phones and Tablets

iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and Android tablets all support the major streaming apps. ESPN, NBC, TNT, and NBA League Pass all have apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The advantage of mobile devices is portability—you can watch in bed, on the couch, at a friend's house, or literally anywhere with an internet connection.

Battery life becomes relevant if you're watching on mobile. The All-Star Game is a full 48-minute game, plus pre-game and post-game coverage. Have a charger nearby or watch with the battery saver setting enabled.

Computers and Laptops

Browser-based streaming through ESPN.com, ABC.com, or League Pass website works on any computer with a modern browser. This is convenient if you're working or doing other things while watching. Picture quality depends on your monitor and internet connection, but it's perfectly adequate.

Internet Requirements and Streaming Quality

Streaming a live basketball game requires a solid internet connection. Here's what you're looking at:

720p streaming: About 3-4 Mbps download speed is sufficient. This is watchable on phones and tablets, but on a big TV, it's not ideal.

1080p streaming: You want 5-8 Mbps for reliable streaming. This is the sweet spot for most viewers watching on TVs or computers.

4K streaming: If available, requires 25+ Mbps. It's only worth pursuing if you have a 4K TV and truly excellent internet.

Most All-Star broadcasts stream in 1080p. Your internet speed should support this without issues if you have any relatively modern home internet. If you're on Wi-Fi, make sure your router is reasonably close or positioned well for signal strength. Wi-Fi lag during live sports is incredibly frustrating—it freezes right when something exciting happens.

Buffer time is another consideration. Streaming services typically buffer a bit ahead, meaning there's usually a 30-60 second delay compared to the actual broadcast. This matters if you're trying to avoid spoilers or coordinate watching with friends.

International Streaming Services and VPNs

Some international viewers consider using VPNs to access the US version of streaming services. Technically possible, this violates the terms of service for most streaming platforms. We don't recommend it, both for legal reasons and practical ones—VPNs slow your connection, sometimes introduce lag, and some streaming services are specifically designed to block VPN traffic.

Your legitimate options are your regional broadcasters, and in some cases, NBA League Pass might be available internationally through their website. League Pass International is sometimes available in countries without exclusive broadcasting agreements, though availability varies.

If you're traveling and want to watch from outside your home country, check whether your home-country streaming service offers out-of-country access or whether League Pass International is available where you are.

For those without cable, NBA League Pass and ESPN+ offer affordable access to All-Star Weekend at

Avoiding Blackouts and Regional Restrictions

Blackout rules for All-Star weekend are different from regular season games. The All-Star Game itself typically doesn't have blackout restrictions because it's not a team-specific event. However, some of the weekend's other events might have local restrictions depending on where you are and which broadcaster holds regional rights.

If you encounter a blackout message, you have limited options:

1. Use a streaming service from a different region if you're traveling
2. Wait for highlights or replays, which are usually unrestricted
3. Check whether League Pass has unrestricted access (sometimes it does for All-Star events)
4. Watch through a cable authentication instead of streaming (cable subscriptions usually have fewer blackouts)

Blackouts are frustrating, but they're a reality of sports broadcasting in certain regions. It's worth checking your specific streaming service's blackout policy before game time so you're not surprised.

Cost Comparison: Subscription Options for All-Star Weekend

Let's break down the actual financial outlay for watching All-Star 2026:

If you already have cable: Free. Your cable subscription includes ABC, ESPN, and TNT, which cover everything.

If you don't have cable but want to watch everything: Your options are NBA League Pass (roughly

If you want to watch only the All-Star Game: ABC's broadcast is available free through ABC.com with cable authentication. If you don't have cable, you'd need League Pass or ESPN+.

Budget option: Wait for highlights and replays, which are available free on YouTube and the NBA's official channels. Not ideal if you love live basketball, but it's free.

For most people without cable, spending $15-20 for a month of League Pass or ESPN+ is reasonable. You get the entire All-Star weekend, plus replay access for several weeks after.

Setting Up Your Streaming Setup 24 Hours Before

Don't wait until game time to test your setup. Here's what to do the day before:

1. Test your internet speed: Use Speedtest.net to check your download speed. Should be at least 5-8 Mbps for smooth 1080p streaming.

2. Install and update all apps: If watching through ESPN+, League Pass, or other apps, install them and update to the latest version. Sometimes older app versions have bugs.

3. Log in and verify access: Sign into each streaming service and confirm you have access. There's nothing worse than the All-Star Game starting and realizing your login doesn't work.

4. Test streaming quality: Play a previous NBA game or other sports broadcast through the service you'll use. Watch for buffering, freezing, or quality issues.

5. Check device connections: If streaming to a TV, verify your Chromecast, Air Play, or streaming device works properly. Test the remote, HDMI cable, or Wi-Fi connection.

6. Close other apps and downloads: Streaming takes bandwidth. Close anything else using your internet beforehand. Pause any background updates or downloads.

7. Position your device: If watching on a laptop or tablet, position it somewhere visible. If using a smart TV or streaming device, ensure the TV and remote are accessible.

This sounds pedantic, but it prevents technical disasters during the game. You'll be grateful you did this when the broadcast starts flawlessly.

For optimal streaming, 720p requires 3-4 Mbps, 1080p needs 5-8 Mbps, and 4K demands at least 25 Mbps. Estimated data.

The Best Experience for Different Viewing Preferences

Not everyone wants to watch the same way. Depending on how much you care about the experience, here are different setups:

Casual viewer (checking in occasionally): Mobile phone or tablet on ESPN+ or League Pass. You get the game, you can watch from anywhere, minimal setup needed.

Serious fan (full commitment to the game): Smart TV via a streaming device (Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV) with a quality internet connection. 1080p picture, bigger screen, better experience.

Absolute enthusiast (maximizing everything): 4K TV if available (though most broadcasts are 1080p), premium internet connection, cable authentication rather than streaming if possible (slightly lower latency), surround sound if your TV has it. This is overkill for All-Star weekend but nice for playoffs and finals.

Each approach has trade-offs. Mobile is convenient but small. TV is big but requires more equipment. There's no wrong choice—pick what fits your lifestyle and commitment level.

Accessibility Options and Subtitles

Most all-star broadcasts include closed captions for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers. Look for a CC button or menu option in your streaming app. This varies by platform:

ESPN+: CC/subtitles button usually appears in the video player controls.

ABC app: Closed caption option in player settings.

NBA League Pass: Subtitles usually available through player settings menu.

Cable broadcasts: Press the CC button on your remote.

Audio description (a separate audio track describing on-court action) is less commonly available for sports broadcasts but sometimes offered. Check your streaming service's accessibility options.

For viewers with mobility or other accessibility needs, having your phone or tablet nearby lets you control playback without relying on remotes. Most streaming apps support gesture controls and voice commands if your device is set up for them.

Dealing with Spoilers

If you're planning to watch with a delay rather than live, spoilers become a concern. Social media, news websites, and even well-meaning friends can ruin the game.

Here's what to do:

1. Disable notifications: Turn off push notifications from sports apps and news apps until you've watched.

2. Avoid social media: Stay off Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook until you've finished watching.

3. Tell people you're watching delayed: Let friends know not to text you or call about the game.

4. Set a reminder to delete alerts: If you're watching significantly delayed, set a phone reminder to re-enable notifications once you're done so you don't forget and accidentally get spoiled later.

5. Use your DVR or streaming service's replay: Most services keep All-Star broadcasts available for on-demand replay for at least a week after the event. This gives you flexibility to watch whenever.

Delayed viewing is increasingly common. Many people have work, family obligations, or just prefer to watch at their own pace rather than committing to a specific time.

Kayo Sports offers the most comprehensive NBA All-Star coverage for Australian and New Zealand viewers, with high availability and features. Estimated data based on service features.

Traveling During All-Star 2026?

If you're traveling for the game itself or happen to be traveling during the All-Star weekend, here's what you need to know:

Within the US: Your streaming services work fine. There are no blackout differences traveling domestically.

To Canada: Your US streaming credentials might work. Some services verify location based on billing address rather than current location. Others check your IP address. League Pass is usually lenient with this.

To Europe or elsewhere: This is trickier. Some streaming services will block you if they detect you're outside your home country. Cable authentication definitely won't work. League Pass sometimes works internationally, sometimes doesn't. NBA League Pass International might be available instead.

The safest approach is using League Pass, which is generally the most forgiving with international access. If that doesn't work, you'll need to find a local broadcaster in your destination country.

Downloading content beforehand isn't an option for live events, but if you're willing to watch replays, most services let you watch replays from any location without issue.

Technical Troubleshooting Common Issues

Things go wrong when you least want them to. Here's how to fix common problems:

Buffering and freezing: Restart your streaming device first. If that doesn't work, move closer to your Wi-Fi router or use an ethernet cable if possible. Close other apps using internet. Restart your internet router if nothing else works. If multiple people are streaming on your Wi-Fi, that's likely the culprit—ask them to stop or wait until they do.

App crashing: Delete and reinstall the app. Clear the app's cache (settings > apps > [app name] > storage > clear cache). Make sure your device's operating system is updated.

Poor video quality: This usually means your connection is too slow. Close other apps, reduce the number of devices on your Wi-Fi, or move closer to your router. Most apps let you manually adjust quality settings—select 720p instead of 1080p if 1080p keeps buffering.

Can't log in: Verify your username and password are correct. Check whether your account is active (sometimes subscriptions auto-renew and fail, leaving your account inactive). If using cable authentication, verify your cable account is active. Reset your password if nothing else works.

Audio out of sync with video: This is rare but happens occasionally with streams. Restart the stream. If it persists, try a different streaming service or wait a few minutes and restart.

Picture is too small or stretched: Check your display's aspect ratio settings. Most streaming services default to 16:9 widescreen, which works fine on modern TVs. Older TVs sometimes have different settings that stretch or compress the image.

Most technical issues resolve with a simple restart of your device or streaming app. Don't overthink it.

Pre-Game Content and Behind-the-Scenes Access

All-Star weekend includes more than just the games themselves. Most networks provide pre-game shows, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content that's genuinely worth watching.

ESPN's pre-game coverage is typically the most comprehensive. Hosted by established basketball personalities, these shows break down matchups, interview players, and build hype for the games. They usually air 30-60 minutes before the actual games begin.

NBA League Pass includes player profiles, career highlights, and historical context for the All-Stars competing. This is helpful if you want to understand why certain players were selected or what their season looks like so far.

Turner Sports (TNT and TBS) sometimes offers player-accessible content where you can watch the same feeds that appear on TV, sometimes with different audio options or multiple camera angles. Not all broadcasts include this, but it's worth checking.

YouTube and the NBA's official channels release highlights immediately after games, usually within 2-3 hours. These are free and available worldwide. The quality is usually excellent, though the excitement is diminished without watching live.

Record Your Viewing Experience

If you have a cable-connected DVR, recording All-Star weekend games gives you flexibility to watch whenever you want without relying on streaming. Most cable providers allow DVR recording of sports broadcasts without issue.

Streaming services have their own replay systems—no recording required. League Pass and ESPN+ keep broadcasts available for on-demand watching for weeks after the event, so you don't need to record anything.

The advantage of a DVR is that you own the recording locally. If internet goes down, you can still watch from your DVR. Most people find the streaming replay system sufficient, though.

Enhancing Your Viewing Experience

Since All-Star weekend happens once per year, you might want to make it special:

Snacks: Prepare food and drinks beforehand. Having everything ready means you don't miss exciting plays running to the kitchen.

Social viewing: Invite friends over. All-Star weekend is more fun watching with others. The camaraderie, the playful arguments, the reactions—all better with people around.

Themed decor: If your team has All-Stars, wearing their jersey or putting up a flag adds to the atmosphere.

Muted notifications: Silent your phone. Sports viewing is best without interruptions.

Comfortable seating: You're committing 2-4 hours to watching. Comfortable seating matters more than you think.

These sound like small details, but they genuinely enhance the experience. All-Star weekend is entertainment—might as well make it count.

Final Thoughts on All-Star 2026

The 2026 All-Star weekend is worth your time. Whether you're a casual fan who watches once a year or a basketball obsessive who follows every stat line, there's something compelling about seeing the league's best players in one place competing at the highest level.

Finding where to watch shouldn't be the barrier to entry. With the options outlined in this guide, you can access All-Star 2026 from virtually anywhere in the world. Your region, device preferences, budget constraints, and viewing habits all have solutions.

The broadcast quality will be excellent. The competition will be intense. The performances will be memorable. All that's left is deciding where and how you want to watch it.

Get your streaming service set up, test your connection, invite your people, and get ready for one of basketball's most entertaining weekends of the year. See you there.

FAQ

What time does NBA All-Star 2026 start in my time zone?

The All-Star Game typically tips off around 8 PM Eastern Time on Sunday. For other time zones: 7 PM Central, 6 PM Mountain, 5 PM Pacific. UK viewers should expect around 1-2 AM Monday morning. Australian viewers can expect early Monday morning (8-9 AM AEDT depending on daylight saving). Use a time zone converter if your location isn't listed to confirm the exact time.

Do I need a cable subscription to watch All-Star 2026?

No. You can watch without cable through NBA League Pass, ESPN+, or other streaming services. However, having cable gives you access to ABC, ESPN, and TNT broadcasts for free. If you don't have cable, you'll need to subscribe to a streaming service (typically $10-20/month for single-month access during All-Star weekend).

Is the All-Star Game available on free streaming services?

The All-Star Game itself isn't available on purely free services, but some of the weekend's other events might be. ABC's broadcast is available free through ABC.com with cable authentication. YouTube sometimes features highlights shortly after games air. Your local broadcaster (depending on country) might offer free streaming through their official app.

Can I watch All-Star 2026 outside the United States?

Yes. Most countries have broadcasters with NBA rights. Check your regional broadcaster: Sky Sports (UK), Sportsnet (Canada), Kayo Sports (Australia), Canal+ (France), or your local sports network. NBA League Pass International might also be available depending on your location.

Will there be blackouts on my stream?

All-Star events typically have fewer blackout restrictions than regular season games. The main All-Star Game usually isn't blacked out. Some preliminary events might be, depending on your broadcaster and location. Check your specific streaming service's blackout policy if you're concerned.

What's the best streaming device for watching All-Star 2026?

For picture quality and reliability, a dedicated streaming device (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV) connected to your TV is optimal. For convenience, streaming on your phone or tablet works perfectly fine. The best device is whatever you're most comfortable using and have access to.

Can I watch replays of All-Star 2026 the next day?

Yes. NBA League Pass, ESPN+, and most broadcasting apps keep All-Star games available for on-demand replay for at least a week after the event. YouTube will have highlights available shortly after games finish. Delayed viewing is completely viable if you can't watch live.

How much internet speed do I need for streaming?

At least 5-8 Mbps for reliable 1080p streaming. If you're experiencing buffering, your connection might be slower or other devices might be using bandwidth. Test your speed at Speedtest.net and try closing other apps or devices before watching.

Will commercials interrupt the stream?

Yes, generally. Cable broadcasts and most streaming services include ads. ESPN+ might have fewer ads than traditional broadcasts. If ad-free viewing is important, check whether your streaming service offers an ad-free tier (some do, usually at higher cost).

What if I miss the All-Star Game—can I watch it later?

Absolutely. Replays are available through League Pass, ESPN+, and most broadcasting apps for days or weeks after the event. Highlights are available immediately on YouTube and NBA channels. You can watch on your own schedule without missing out on anything.

Related Viewing Resources and Additional Information

The 2026 All-Star weekend is part of the broader NBA season. While All-Star weekend stands alone as an event, it's connected to the larger basketball ecosystem. Understanding the context enhances your appreciation.

All-Star selection happens through fan voting, media voting, and coach voting. Each component weights differently, creating an interesting dynamic where popularity sometimes conflicts with actual performance. This year's selections likely feature strong three-point shooters (reflecting modern basketball) and younger players who've emerged this season.

The Rising Stars Challenge showcases players in their first two seasons. These games have become incredibly competitive because younger players see it as a proving ground. Watching these games is genuinely valuable if you want to understand which young talent is actually ready for the highest level.

The Three-Point Contest has evolved significantly. Early versions were fun but somewhat boring—just watching guys shoot. Modern versions include more creative formats, longer ranges, and celebrity participants. It's become genuinely entertaining, sometimes matching the All-Star Game itself in audience engagement.

The Slam Dunk Contest is wildly hit or miss. Some years it's incredible—players designing absurd dunks that defy physics. Other years it's forgettable. Watching players attempt and fail dunks is actually entertaining because the stakes are real. There's nowhere to hide in a dunk contest.

FYI: If you're interested in basketball content throughout the year, most of these streaming services provide regular season and playoff coverage as well. All-Star weekend is just one event in a long season, but it's uniquely entertaining.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple legitimate streaming options exist for All-Star 2026 across all major regions without requiring cable subscriptions
• Game times vary dramatically by timezone—US evening broadcasts are overnight for UK and early morning for Australia
• NBA League Pass and ESPN+ are the most flexible options for cord-cutters, typically costing $11-20 for a single month
• International viewers have regional broadcasters (Sky Sports UK, Kayo Australia, Sportsnet Canada) with comparable access to US options
• Proper internet speed (5-8 Mbps), device compatibility, and pre-game testing prevent common streaming issues on game day

Related Articles

• YouTube TV Sports Subscription: Why Subscribers Are Furious [2025]
• YouTube TV Curated Subscription Packages: Save Money on Streaming [2025]
• How to Get F1TV with Apple TV Subscription [2025]
• How to Watch Super League 2026 Free Streams [2025]
• F1 2026 Bahrain Pre-Season Testing Live Streams: Complete Viewing Guide [2025]
• How to Watch Jordan Stolz at Winter Olympics 2026 [2025]