All Star Weekend Delivers On Court Drama While Empty Seats And High Prices Spark Commentary
The NBA experimented again. On the court, it mostly worked. In the stands, it was a different story.
While Sunday’s reworked All Star Game delivered competitive mini games and visible effort, the 2026 NBA All Star Weekend at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles also exposed a growing disconnect between the league and everyday fans. Sky high ticket prices and early start times left visible empty seats and fueled criticism that the league’s midseason showcase has become more corporate spectacle than fan celebration.
A Format That Finally Sparked Competition
After years of complaints about effort, the NBA introduced its fourth All Star format in four years. The United States versus the World round robin tournament featured three 12 minute games that felt closer to real competition than a typical exhibition.
“I think every team honestly wanted to win,” Devin Booker said after helping lead the victorious Stars squad.
Karl Anthony Towns echoed the sentiment. “After today, I think you all can see the competition is there.”
The anticipated Americans versus the World final did not materialize. Instead, a younger American team routed an older American group in the final. Still, Tyrese Maxey kept it light, joking, “We’re definitely one up on the uncs right now.”
The league has yet to declare next year’s format in Phoenix. Several veterans, including LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard, have suggested revisiting the traditional East versus West format.
Empty Seats and Sky High Prices
If the competition improved, attendance told a more complicated story.
Reports and social media posts throughout the weekend highlighted large sections of empty seats, particularly during Friday’s Rising Stars Game and Saturday night events. Some images circulating online suggested the arena was nearly empty during portions of the Rising Stars showcase, with even courtside seats behind the benches sitting vacant. Broadcast cameras noticeably focused tightly on filled sections.
High ticket prices appear to have played a significant role.
Resale tickets for Sunday’s All Star Game were listed starting around one thousand dollars and climbing past thirteen hundred dollars. Seats in “The Wall” section were priced at two thousand dollars or more, while lower bowl seats reportedly began around thirty three hundred dollars. Even Rising Stars tickets averaged more than one hundred dollars, with some upper level resale seats reaching one thousand dollars.
The early 2 p.m. Pacific start times, adjusted to accommodate prime time Winter Olympics coverage on NBC, also dampened the atmosphere and likely contributed to the slow early turnout.
Critics described the weekend as a corporate showcase rather than a fan driven celebration. Under Commissioner Adam Silver, the league has faced scrutiny over player engagement and declining television ratings. Playing marquee games in front of visibly empty sections only intensified that conversation.
Fan reactions online were blunt.
“Adam Silver is the worst Commissioner in Sports!” one fan wrote.
Another added, “The NBA just isn’t what it used to be. The stars don’t feel like stars. Half the league looks more in love with the lifestyle than the game.”
Others downplayed the outrage, noting that the Rising Stars Game is not the Finals. Still, the optics were hard to ignore in a seventy fifth edition All Star celebration in one of the country’s largest markets.
Dismal Dunks Raise Familiar Questions
Just as the All Star Game found a spark, the Slam Dunk Contest struggled.
A competition once defined by Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter felt short on creativity. Miami’s Keshad Johnson captured the title, joining 3 Point Contest champion Damian Lillard in an Oakland sweep of Saturday’s headline events.
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes drew criticism for an underwhelming attempt. Orlando’s Jase Richardson took a frightening fall when his arm hit the backboard during a 360 spin. He was ultimately fine, but the moment underscored the event’s risks.
Johnson secured the win when San Antonio’s Carter Bryant failed to complete his second dunk after scoring a perfect 50 on his first.
The larger question lingers. Can the NBA convince true superstars to participate and restore the imagination that once defined the contest?
Kawhi Leonard delivered the weekend’s most electric stretch.
Leonard scored 31 points in just 12 minutes during Sunday’s third mini game, shooting 11 for 13 and hitting six three pointers. Even 7 foot 4 Victor Wembanyama attempted to guard him in desperation.
“That’s probably one of the most special quarters of basketball we’ve witnessed,” Booker said.
Leonard cooled off in the final, scoring just one point as fatigue set in. Anthony Edwards ultimately claimed MVP honors, but Leonard’s scoring burst defined the night.
Dame’s Comeback Moment
Damian Lillard reminded the basketball world of his place among elite shooters.
The 35 year old guard won the 3 Point Contest for the third time, joining Larry Bird and Craig Hodges in rare company. He edged Booker 29 to 27 in a dramatic final round.
Lillard tore his Achilles tendon last April. His participation reportedly began as a joke conversation with an NBA official. Once cleared, he delivered.
Stephen Curry later announced he plans to compete in 2027 and hopes Klay Thompson will join him, a development that could inject fresh life into future contests.
A Weekend of Contrasts
On the court, the NBA may have finally found a competitive All Star formula. Off the court, pricing and presentation sparked a different debate.
Real effort returned to the game itself. Whether everyday fans can afford to see it in person is now part of the conversation.
