NBA All-Star Game 2026: First-Time Head Coaches
In an exciting development for the NBA, the upcoming All-Star Game will feature its first-time head coaches, namely Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs and J.B. Bickerstaff from the Detroit Pistons. Announced on Sunday, Johnson will represent the Western Conference, leading his team into the newly introduced U.S. versus World format during the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.
Team Performance and Coaching Changes
This season, Johnson’s Spurs have achieved an impressive 33-16 record, positioning them as a formidable contender with the second-best record in the Western Conference and the third-best overall in the NBA. Notably, this marks the Spurs’ most successful start through 49 games since the 2016-17 season, when they reached the Western Conference Finals with stars like Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge.
Taking on the role of head coach last year following the departure of legendary coach Gregg Popovich due to health issues, Johnson has quickly made his mark by emphasizing player development and a strong defensive strategy. His leadership is particularly significant as it accompanies the emergence of talented players, including All-Star starter Victor Wembanyama.
Coaching Debuts and Game Format
On the other side of the court, Bickerstaff will represent the Eastern Conference in his debut as an All-Star Game coach. It is important to note that Mark Daigneault, head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, is ineligible to coach this year despite his team holding the best record in the West, due to his previous All-Star coach status last season.
Event Details and Coverage
The 75th NBA All-Star Game is set to take place on February 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. In a unique twist, this year’s game will be showcased on NBC and Peacock, coinciding with the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Fans can expect to witness a showdown featuring 24 All-Star players divided into three teams—two representing the USA and one representing the World—engaging in a round-robin format of four 12-minute matches. The top two teams will then compete for the championship title in a final game.
As preparations for this historic All-Star event continue, spectators can look forward to comprehensive coverage of the entire All-Star weekend on NBC and Peacock, including the Rising Stars Challenge and the much-anticipated 3-Point and Dunk Contests. Furthermore, Peacock will provide viewers with ongoing access to NBA games throughout the season and additional programming, including special sports shows and documentaries.
