NBA Makes Decision on All-Star Weekend Amid Kawhi Leonard, Clippers Investigation

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled to be held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, which is the new home arena of the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers began playing at this venue last season and are focusing on building a strong home crowd, including their notable cheer section called The Wall. This marks the first time the All-Star Game has returned to Inglewood since 1983, when it was hosted at The Forum, located just a few blocks away from the Intuit Dome.

Regarding the game format, sources indicate that the 2026 NBA All-Star Game may feature a round-robin tournament involving three eight-player squads: two teams representing the USA and one representing the World. The NBA and the players' union presented this format to the Competition Committee, receiving a positive response, which suggests potential changes to enhance the event's competitiveness and appeal.

However, the Los Angeles Clippers, as the hosting team, are under investigation for allegedly circumventing the salary cap through a former sponsor, Aspiration, in relation to Kawhi Leonard's contract. Despite this, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has publicly stated that there is "no contemplation" of moving the All-Star Game from the Intuit Dome. He confirmed that the game will remain in Los Angeles, emphasizing that the investigation does not warrant a relocation at this time.

This stance is notable given past instances where the All-Star Game was moved, such as in 2021 from Indianapolis to Atlanta due to the COVID-19 pandemic and scheduling conflicts with the NCAA Tournament, and in 2017 from Charlotte to New Orleans over concerns about anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ individuals. However, the league considers it unlikely to make a last-minute change for the Clippers' situation, as extensive planning and financial commitments are involved, and a verdict on the investigation may not be reached until after the All-Star break.