History of NBA All-Star Game in Timeline
The NBA All-Star Game is an annual exhibition game held in February, featuring 24 of the NBA's star players. A highlight of the NBA All-Star Weekend, a three-day event spanning Friday to Sunday, the game showcases the league's top talent in a celebratory and entertaining format. Since 2022, it's held on the third Sunday of February, coinciding with the Daytona 500. The inaugural All-Star Game took place on March 2, 1951, at the Boston Garden.
1962: First Instance of Four All-Stars From One Team
In 1962, four players each from the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers were chosen as All-Stars, marking the first instance of four All-Stars from one team.
1982: "Riley Rule" Implementation
In 1982, the NBA implemented the "Riley Rule", preventing coaches from consecutive All-Star Game appearances due to Pat Riley's repeated selections.
1990: "Riley Rule" Reference
In 1990, the "Riley Rule" was referenced due to Pat Riley's repeated All-Star Game coaching selections.
1997: Players Wear Team Uniforms
From 1997, players could wear their normal team uniforms during the NBA All-Star Game.
2000: First Halftime Show
In 2000, the NBA All-Star Game featured its first halftime show with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Mary J. Blige, 98 Degrees, Montell Jordan, Martina McBride, and LL Cool J performing.
2002: Players Wear Team Uniforms
Until 2002, players could wear their normal team uniforms during the NBA All-Star Game.
2003: Multilingual Ballots Introduced
In 2003, the NBA began offering All-Star ballots in English, Spanish, and Chinese for fan voting.
2007: Kobe Bryant Starts as Point Guard
In the 2007 All-Star Game, Kobe Bryant started as a point guard due to fan selection of guards at atypical positions.
2010: Host Conference Uniforms
From 2010, the "host conference" traditionally has light uniforms.
2013: Ballot Format Change
Prior to 2013, fans selected two forwards and one center instead of generic frontcourt players.
2014: Host Conference Uniforms
Until 2014, the "host conference" traditionally has light uniforms.
March 23, 2016: North Carolina House Bill 2 Passage
On March 23, 2016, North Carolina passed House Bill 2, also known as a "bathroom bill", leading to controversy.
July 21, 2016: 2017 All-Star Game Moved to New Orleans
On July 21, 2016, the NBA moved the 2017 All-Star Game to New Orleans due to North Carolina's House Bill 2.
March 2017: 2019 All-Star Game Awarded to Charlotte
In March 2017, after partial repeal of House Bill 2 provisions, the NBA awarded the 2019 All-Star Weekend to Charlotte.
October 3, 2017: Changes to Game Format Announced
On October 3, 2017, the NBA and NBPA announced changes to the All-Star Game format, starting in 2018.
2017: Voting Process Change
In 2017, the NBA changed the All-Star voting process, weighting fan voting at 50% and player and media voting at 25% each.
2018: Implementation of New Game Format
In 2018, a new NBA All-Star Game format was implemented, featuring team captains drafting players regardless of conference.
2018: All-Star Game Team Selection Format Change
In 2018, the NBA All-Star Game changed its team selection format, with team captains drafting players regardless of conference.
2018: Most Recent Game with Four All-Stars From One Team
In the 2018 All-Star Game, the Golden State Warriors had four All-Star players, marking the most recent occurrence of this event.
2019: All-Star Game in Charlotte
In 2019, the NBA All-Star Game was held in Charlotte, after provisions of House Bill 2 were partially repealed.
2020: Introduction of Elam Ending
In 2020, the Elam Ending was introduced to the NBA All-Star Game in honor of Kobe Bryant.
2020: Elam Ending in All-Star Game
In 2020, the NBA All-Star game used the Elam Ending where the game clock is turned off with a target score set to win the game. The target score was 157 points, honoring Kobe Bryant.
2022: NBA All-Star Game Date
In 2022, the NBA All-Star Game was held on the third Sunday of February, coinciding with the Daytona 500 and typically following the Super Bowl.
October 25, 2023: NBA Announces Return to Conference-Based Format
On October 25, 2023, the NBA announced the return of the conference-based format for the 2024 All-Star Game and the removal of the Elam Ending.
2023: 2023-24 NBA Season
As of the 2024 All-Star Game (the 2023–24 NBA season), the Eastern Conference leads with a record of 38 wins and 29 losses.
2023: Candace Parker's Color Commentator Debut
In 2023, Candace Parker became the first female color commentator for an NBA All-Star Game.
2023: End of Draft Format
In 2023, the draft format for the All-Star Game was ended.
2024: 2024 All-Star Game
As of the 2024 All-Star Game (the 2023–24 NBA season), the Eastern Conference leads with a record of 38 wins and 29 losses.
2024: Return to Conference-Based Format
In 2024, the NBA All-Star Game returned to a conference-based format and removed the Elam Ending.
2025: New All-Star Game Format
In 2025, a new format was implemented for the NBA All-Star Game with a mini-tournament featuring teams of eight players including one team from the Rising Stars Challenge.
