The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend delivered major storylines — but did it actually fix the All-Star Game?

In this episode of In The Lab, Hoopsology breaks down the NBA All-Star Game ratings surge (up 87% year-over-year), the USA vs World format experiment, and whether player effort — led by Victor Wembanyama — changed the perception of the game.

We dive into:

Why the 2026 NBA All-Star Game drew 8.8 million viewers

NBC’s presentation vs TNT’s classic coverage

Damian Lillard stealing the show in the 3-Point Contest

Is the NBA Dunk Contest officially broken?

Should the league bring in pro dunkers?

Adam Silver’s comments on tanking and competitive integrity

Expansion rumors involving Seattle and Las Vegas

The NBA’s long-term product concerns

With discussions around tanking investigations, possible league expansion, and the growing debate about the All-Star format, this episode tackles the biggest NBA topics heading into the second half of the season.

Is the All-Star Game trending upward again?

Can the dunk contest be saved?

Should the NBA abolish the draft?

And are Seattle and Las Vegas getting teams soon?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Subscribe to Hoopsology for weekly NBA analysis, interviews, basketball documentaries, and deep dives into the biggest stories in the league.

#NBAAllStar #NBAAllStar2026 #NBANews #AdamSilver #NBAPodcast #Hoopsology

Hoopsology is presented by Ballislife.

Podcast Person? Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sIa6O4u4TnIBSygXu9qDm?si=acff6d3796a14c9a

Or search “Hoopsology” anywhere else you listen to podcasts!

Join the conversation! 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hoopsologypod 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices