2026 NBA Rising Stars Challenge is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, featuring a four-team mini-tournament streamed exclusively on Peacock.
At a Glance
- The event will showcase the top rising talents from the NBA, selected by NBC on-air analysts.
- Four teams-Team Melo, Team T-Mac, Team Vince, and a G-League squad led by Austin Rivers-will compete in a knockout format.
- The first team to reach 40 points in the semifinals, and 25 points in the final, wins.
- Why it matters: Fans get a preview of the next generation of NBA stars in a high-stakes, fast-paced setting.
The Rising Stars Challenge has become a staple of All-Star Weekend, offering a platform for young players to shine. This year’s event follows the tradition set in 2025, but with a refreshed roster and a new G-League team.
Event Format
The format mirrors the previous year’s All-Star Game:
- Semifinals – Team A vs. Team B, and Team C vs. Team D.
- The first team to reach or surpass 40 points advances.
- Final – The two semifinal winners play.
- The first team to reach or surpass 25 points wins the Rising Stars Challenge.
The concise scoring thresholds create an exciting, fast-paced game that highlights the athleticism and skill of the participants.
Drafted Teams
The NBA on NBC studio draft was conducted by analysts Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter. Austin Rivers will lead the G-League team.
Team Melo
- Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
- Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)
- Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
- Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs)
- Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto Raptors)
Team T-Mac
- Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)
- Kel’el Ware (Miami Heat)
- Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards)
- Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards)
- Ajay Mitchell (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Jaylon Tyson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Cam Spencer (Memphis Grizzlies)
Team Vince
- V.J. Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Kyshawn George (Washington Wizards)
- Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls)
- Egor Dёmin (Brooklyn Nets)
- Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
Austin Rivers’ G-League Team
- Sean East II (Salt Lake City Stars)
- Ron Harper Jr. (Maine Celtics)
- David Jones Garcia (Austin Spurs)
- Yanic Konan Niederhäuser (San Diego Clippers)
- Alijah Martin (Raptors 905)
- Tristen Newton (Rio Grande Valley Vipers)
- Yang Hansen (Rip City Remix)
Where to Watch
The entire event will be streamed on Peacock, the platform affiliated with NBC and its sports division. There is no television broadcast; viewers must access the stream to see the game live.
Venue
The Rising Stars Challenge will take place at Intuit Dome, the home arena of the Los Angeles Clippers. Intuit Dome is also the site of the broader All-Star Weekend festivities.
Key Takeaways
- Feb. 13 marks the date for the 2026 Rising Stars Challenge, a highlight of All-Star Weekend.
- Four teams, each drafted by NBA on NBC analysts, will compete in a knockout tournament.
- Scoring thresholds of 40 points in semifinals and 25 in the final ensure a high-energy game.
- The event is exclusively available on Peacock and will be held at Intuit Dome.
- The inclusion of a G-League team led by Austin Rivers adds a fresh dynamic to the competition.
Fans eager to witness the next wave of NBA talent should tune in to Peacock on Friday evening to catch the action as the teams battle for the Rising Stars title.
