The NBA is trying to fix the all-star game again, the ongoing push toward a World vs. USA All-Star format is happening this year. The executives and NBA are hoping it will make for a competitive tournament after attempts to motivate the all-stars to try and make it a game.

It makes sense to go foreign vs. domestic; international stars no longer just filling roster spots but dominating. They are the top MVP candidates and arguably the top 5 players in the league are internationally-born. The league has a natural opportunity to lean into global rivalries while still preserving conference balance.

Under the current framework, we’re still selecting 12 players from the East and 12 from the West. If the final group does not land exactly at 16 U.S. players and 8 international players, then Adam Silver selects the remaining player(s) to restore balance. This year, as it turns out, the math works out cleanly.

How the US vs. International Format Works in 2026

The 2026 midseason game is going to bring the World vs. USA, these rosters show why it would feel earned rather than gimmicky. The balance that the NBA has in terms of international players is real, the talent is undeniable, the rivalry writes itself and there’s no need to add undeserving players to make it work – at least this season — as some analysts have been concerned with.

After selecting 24 total All-Stars across both conferences, the league will break the rosters into 16 U.S.-born players and 8 international players. That means no commissioner tiebreaker is required, and the rosters are set organically. What follows is a look at how the East and West shape up, along with how a World vs. USA split would look if the league chose to lean fully into that concept.

Beyond the on-court appeal, a World vs. USA All-Star game aligns perfectly with how fans already consume the league. Debates about MVP races, international dominance, and stylistic differences are everywhere, from podcasts to studio shows to betting markets like FanDuel Sportsbook, where player props and All-Star selections increasingly reflect global star power. The league no longer needs to manufacture intrigue; it already exists.

Western Conference All-Star Predictions (12)

The West remains absolutely brutal when it comes to All-Star selection, and 2026 will be no different. There are going to be a number of snubs, full stop. Even narrowing this list to 12 feels unfair, but this group reflects a mix of superstar dominance, playoff credibility, and current impact. We listed in order of their deserving-ness:

West selections:

1. Nikola Jokic
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
3. Luka Doncic
4. Kevin Durant
5. Victor Wembanyama
6. Anthony Edwards
7. Alperen Sengun
8. Stephen Curry
9. Austin Reaves
10. Devin Booker
11. Jamal Murray
12. Deni Avdija

With Avdija having a breakout season for a surprising Portland team in a format that prioritizes international players, that leaves Kawhi Leonard and Lauri Markennan off the roster. Not to mention Kawhi’s teammate James Harden, Chet Holmgren, Keyonte George and Julius Randle.

With Doncic and Reaves representing the fourth place Lakers, LeBron James won’t make our cut in the West either by votes or coaches, but we’re confident that Adam Silver will figure out a way to add him to the roster.

This group alone explains why the West produces yearly controversy. Elite scorers, two MVP-level centers, and multiple championship anchors are fighting for limited space. 

Eastern Conference All-Star Predictions (12)

The East, by contrast has much fewer frontcourt locks than in previous years and the roster skews heavily toward guards and wings in 2026. Ball-dominant creators and versatile scorers dominate the conversation with not a lot of international players. Giannis remains the East’s most dominant two-way force, while Banchero’s continued rise cements him as both a franchise centerpiece and a global star.  Again, we’re listing them by whom deserves the spot the most based on performance and team record.

East selections:

1. Cade Cunningham
2. Jaylen Brown
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
4. Tyrese Maxey
5. Donovan Mitchell
6. Jalen Brunson
7. Brandon Ingram
8. Jalen Duren
9. Paolo Banchero
10. Jalen Johnson
11. Norman Powell
12. Michael Porter Jr.

MPG and Powell make this year’s all-star roster, pushing out players like Karl Anthony Towns, Pascal Siakam, Lamelo Ball, and Josh Giddey.

World vs. USA Breakdown

That gives us 8 international players and 16 U.S. players, which fits the league’s balancing rule perfectly. No commissioner intervention required. From the combined 24-player pool, the eight international players are led by Wembanyama and Jokic who headline the international contingent here, while Luka and Shai continue to blur the line between guard and offensive system.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece
2. Deni Avdija, Israel
3. Luka Dončić, Slovenia
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada
5. Nikola Jokić, Serbia
6. Jamal Murray, Canada
7. Alperen Sengun, Turkey
   
8. Victor Wembanyama, France

If the NBA officially staged this as World vs. USA, the international side would once again boast overwhelming size, skill, and playmaking at the top, while Team USA would counter with depth, shooting, and perimeter firepower.