The National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Game is an annual exhibition basketball game. It is the main event of the NBA All-Star Weekend. Traditionally, the All-Star Game featured a conference-based format, featuring a team composed of all of the top ranked basketball players in the Eastern Conference and another team of all-stars from the Western Conference. From 2018 to 2023, the NBA employed a different format featuring two teams captained by the top leading vote-getter from each conference. For the 2025 game, a tournament-based format would be used, featuring three teams composed of NBA All-Stars, and a fourth team represented by a mix of NBA rookies, sophomores and NBA G League standouts that won the Rising Stars Challenge.^[e] The 2026 game also featured a tournament, but with two teams consisting of "U.S." All-Stars and one "World" All-Star team. Following the selection of the all-star starters and reserves, the captains choose from a pool of all-stars to form their teams regardless of conference. Twelve players—five starters and seven reserves—from each conference are chosen from what used to be a pool of 120 players—60 players from each conference with 24 guards and 24 frontcourts —listed on the ballots by a panel of sport writers and broadcasters to all active players. The starters are chosen by a combination of fans, media, and current players. Fans may vote using a variety of online platforms, and account for 50% of the vote, with the media and current players each accounting for 25%. The reserves are chosen by voting among the head coaches of each team's particular conference. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own players, and can select two guards, three front court players, and two players regardless of positions. If a player is unable to participate due to injury, the NBA commissioner will select a replacement. The league canceled the 1999 All-Star Game due to the lockout.