The NBA All-Star Game stands as the centerpiece of a thrilling weekend that merges the sport's greatest talent with high-voltage entertainment. Held annually, this exhibition game features the league’s top-performing players, decided by fan votes, players, coaches, and media—bringing elite skill, creativity, and a little friendly rivalry to the hardwood.
More than just a game, it's a spectacle. From the star-studded celebrity matchups and the gravity-defying Dunk Contest to unforgettable halftime performances, the All-Star Weekend continues to grow in scale and energy. It draws millions, not just fans of basketball, but anyone tuned into pop culture and live entertainment at its best.
As 2026 approaches, anticipation is already mounting. How will this year’s All-Star Game top the last? Where will legends be born, and which highlight will dominate social media? With multiple streaming options available, fans have several paths to tune in—but if you're using DirecTV, this guide will walk you step-by-step through how to catch all the action live, in real-time, and in full HD clarity.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is officially set for Sunday, February 15, 2026. After a successful hosting in 2023, Salt Lake City, Utah, will once again welcome the league’s brightest stars. The game will be played at the Delta Center, home to the Utah Jazz, situated in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.
This marks the second time in just three years that the city hosts the All-Star spectacle, an unusual occurrence in modern NBA history. The decision reflects Salt Lake City’s efficient event management, fan engagement, and upgraded venue infrastructure—particularly the Delta Center's recent multimillion-dollar renovations.
Expect the 2026 edition to feature cutting-edge in-arena technology and a community-driven fan experience, blending high elevation intensity with hometown energy. Can the altitude affect gameplay? That question will make headlines again, especially with stars pushing fast breaks 4,200 feet above sea level.
Beyond logistics, 2026 also lands within the NBA's 80th anniversary season, adding symbolic significance to this All-Star chapter. The league has hinted at tributes to its rich history through themed halftime performances and commemorative uniforms designed to honor eight decades of basketball evolution.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend will unfold over three days packed with talent, athleticism, and high-energy performances. Hosted in Inglewood, California at the Intuit Dome, the event runs from Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15. Each day brings something distinct—from rookies making a name to veterans relishing the spotlight. DirecTV, through its partnership with TNT and NBA TV, will air every major event live, offering seamless access to fans across the U.S.
The weekend tips off with the Rising Stars Game, featuring a showcase of the NBA’s top rookies and sophomores. The format introduced in recent years—mini-tournament style with multiple teams facing off—returns in 2026.
Saturday delivers a triple-header of competitions designed for spectacle and precision. Each event emphasizes a different set of skills, and all eyes will be on the returning champions and potential breakout talents.
The main event puts the NBA’s elite on center stage. Starters are determined by fan, player, and media votes, while coaches round out the rosters. The All-Star Game format remains the same as recent years, using a targeted score in the fourth quarter instead of a game clock.
DirecTV subscribers can experience uninterrupted coverage of every event across the All-Star Weekend. From the emerging stars of Friday to the high-flying veterans Sunday night, all content airs live through TNT, and supplemental analysis, features, and event replays are available via NBA TV.
DirecTV subscribers can watch the 2026 NBA All-Star Game on TNT, channel 245. This channel has held exclusive rights to broadcast the All-Star Game since 2003 and will again serve as the primary destination for live game coverage, player interviews, and in-depth analysis.
While the game itself airs on TNT, certain pre-game or surrounding coverage like player features and weekend highlights may also appear on ABC, channel 7 in most local markets. ABC’s schedule varies regionally, so navigating via zip-code-based listings helps confirm local air times and availability.
Searching for the NBA All-Star Game broadcast on DirecTV takes seconds. Press the "Guide" button on your DirecTV remote, then type "NBA All-Star" using the on-screen search tool. That will pull up dates, start times, and all available rebroadcast slots across TNT and related networks.
DVR setup eliminates the risk of missing tip-off due to scheduling conflicts or last-minute interruptions.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will air nationally on TNT, which is included in DirecTV’s CHOICE™ package and all tiers above it. That means if you're subscribed to CHOICE™, ULTIMATE, or PREMIER, you already have access to the game broadcast on channel 245 (TNT).
For viewers using a more basic DirecTV package—such as the ENTERTAINMENT tier—TNT may not be included. In that case, upgrading your base plan to CHOICE™ or higher ensures full access. Alternatively, you can add the DirecTV Sports Pack, which includes over 40 regional and specialty sports networks, though TNT is not typically part of this add-on. Prioritize upgrading your core package instead of relying on Sports Pack for TNT access.
While TNT airs the main All-Star Game, ABC may broadcast select events during All-Star Weekend. DirecTV carries local ABC affiliates in most markets—even in the basic ENTERTAINMENT package—so access to ABC usually depends on your ZIP code. To confirm local ABC availability, use the DirecTV channel lookup tool and enter your location.
Already have CHOICE™? You’re ready. Not sure? A quick package check now can prevent the need for last-minute changes on game night.
The DirecTV app delivers a full streaming experience for NBA All-Star Weekend, including the game, Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest. With your DirecTV subscription, the app unlocks live broadcasts wherever you are—no cable box required.
The DirecTV app supports a wide array of devices, making it easy to stream the All-Star Game on the go or from your living room setup. Here’s what works:
To access NBA All-Star Weekend events live, follow this simple process:
High-definition streaming through the DirecTV app relies heavily on connection speed. A minimum of 8 Mbps download speed allows for smooth 720p playback, but to watch in full HD (1080p) without buffering, a steady 25 Mbps connection will do the job. For viewers using multiple devices or streaming via Wi-Fi, consider upgrading your bandwidth or using an Ethernet connection for optimized performance.
Planning to stream the Slam Dunk Contest from your tablet while on a trip? Then double-check your mobile data allocation and network signal quality. Nothing disrupts a buzzer-beater moment like a freeze frame.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will tip off at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Sunday, February 15, 2026. For fans in other time zones, that translates to 7:00 PM Central (CT), 6:00 PM Mountain (MT), and 5:00 PM Pacific (PT). The game will air live with no tape delay across all regions.
Leading into the main event, several marquee All-Star Weekend features will take place:
Live broadcasts stick to Eastern Time listings, so viewers away from the East Coast need to align their plans carefully. A two to three-hour offset significantly affects evening schedules, especially on the West Coast. Think about it—5:00 PM PT tip-off on Sunday afternoon may clash with other commitments. Set reminders in advance to avoid missing the opening tip.
DirecTV's interactive channel guide makes it easy to track upcoming All-Star events. Navigate to the guide view and scroll to the night of February 15. The All-Star Game will display clearly within your subscribed NBA or sports package channels.
For exact countdowns, the DirecTV app features a real-time countdown clock for premiere events, including the All-Star Game. Open the app, select the NBA section, and look for the countdown banner. It dynamically adjusts based on your device’s location, automatically compensating for your local time zone—no manual math required.
Looking for a more hands-off approach? Activate push notifications through the DirecTV app to receive a direct alert 15 minutes before tip-off.
To watch the 2026 NBA All-Star Game on DirecTV, subscribers need access to TNT, the official broadcaster of the event. TNT is available in three out of the four primary DirecTV packages: Choice, Ultimate, and Premier.
The cost of watching NBA All-Star festivities on DirecTV depends on the chosen package. Here are the standard monthly rates based on 2024 pricing data:
Additionally, the optional DirecTV Sports Pack can be added to any base package for $14.99/month. While not required for All-Star Weekend since TNT is the primary channel, the Sports Pack includes networks like NBA TV, which may provide pre- and post-game content.
DirecTV Stream, the platform's internet-based counterpart, has periodically offered 5-day free trials for new users. Promotions change throughout the year, especially near marquee sports events. In February 2024, for example, both the Entertainment and Choice packages on DirecTV Stream included TNT and were eligible for trial access without upfront payment.
If DirecTV Stream reintroduces this offer in early 2026, it will allow new users to stream the NBA All-Star Game live without committing to a full billing cycle.
For those mainly interested in All-Star Weekend, a no-contract option like DirecTV Stream Choice plan offers flexibility. Subscriptions run on a monthly renewal basis, making it feasible to sign up in mid-February, catch all the action, and cancel before the next billing period.
This approach costs $108.99/month as of 2024, and while higher than traditional DirecTV satellite pricing tiers, it avoids hardware, installation fees, and long-term agreements. It's a practical route for viewers looking for one-time-event value without the strings.
Viewers without a DirecTV subscription can stream the 2026 NBA All-Star Game through several live TV services that include TNT and ABC in their channel lineups. Since the game is traditionally broadcast on these national networks, access depends on the provider’s package availability in your area.
NBA League Pass provides access to live and on-demand games throughout the regular season, but does not stream most national broadcasts. Since the All-Star Game airs on TNT nationally, League Pass enforces blackout restrictions for this event within the U.S. For international fans, however, the game will likely be available live and without restrictions.
Don’t use cable or satellite? No problem—cord-cutters can still stream the 2026 All-Star Game by combining the right platforms and tools. Here are a few approaches that consistently deliver reliable results:
Need a fast setup? YouTube TV and Hulu let you stream on smart TVs, phones, tablets, or even game consoles immediately after a quick sign-in. Already have an account with one of these? Then you're just a few taps away from catching every play at the All-Star Game.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend spans multiple events, each with its own broadcast time and channel. Use DirecTV’s built-in reminder feature to flag the Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, Slam Dunk Contest, and the All-Star Game itself. This ensures you don’t miss tipoffs or special moments—especially those that aren’t rebroadcast later.
Networks like TNT and NBA TV often air exclusive content surrounding the All-Star Game. This includes locker room footage, player mic’d-up moments, and panel discussions with Hall of Famers. Check your DirecTV guide for pre- and post-game coverage blocks. These segments frequently feature insight that broadcasts don’t include.
When you sync these elements with your DirecTV setup, you go from simply watching the All-Star Game to being fully immersed in it. From your main screen to your mobile feed, every play and personality is within reach.
With the 2026 NBA All-Star Game set to light up the court, DirecTV clears the path for a seamless viewing experience. From the Rising Stars Challenge to the final buzzer of the main event, following the 2026 NBA All-Star Game TV schedule on DirecTV means missing nothing. Whether you're watching on your home entertainment setup or opting to live stream the NBA All-Star Game on the DirecTV app, every bold dunk and buzzer-beater lands right in your living room.
Step in fully prepared. Take a moment to check the channel lineup—confirm that TNT is included in your selected package. Can't find it? Searching "TNT" using your DirecTV guide will bring it up immediately. If you're away from the TV, download or update the DirecTV app now—navigation to the NBA All-Star Weekend DirecTV channels takes just a few taps. Already a subscriber? One quick login and you're covered. Exploring fresh options? Look into the Sports Pack on DirecTV for NBA content beyond All-Star Weekend.
The stage is set. The players are ready. And now, so are you. Everything—from TNT’s exclusive coverage to on-demand streaming—is in place for a basketball spectacle. For those asking what channel is the NBA All-Star Game on DirecTV, all roads lead to TNT. With the right setup, it no longer matters where you watch from—what matters is that you won’t miss a single play.
1-855-690-9884
©2026 American TV. All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer: All rights reserved. AmericanTV.com is a website for research and comparison as such, falls under "Fair Use". AmericanTV.com does not provide directly phone, TV, and internet service. All trademarks, logos, etc. remain the property of their respective owners and are used by AmericanTV.com only to describe products and services offered by each respective trademark holder. The use of any third party trademarks on this site in no way indicates any relationship between AmericanTV.com and the holders of said trademarks, nor any endorsement of AmericanTV.com by the holders of said trademarks.
We are here 24/7 to answer all of your TV + Internet Questions:
1-855-690-9884