So, you're trying to figure out when does All Star Saturday Night start this year? You aren't alone. Every year, thousands of fans realize they've got the wrong time zone or they're still looking for the game to start when the Slam Dunk Contest is actually halfway over. For 2026, things are a little different because the NBA is taking over the brand-new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, and the scheduling is tighter than ever.
Honest truth? If you aren't parked on your couch or in your arena seat by 5:00 PM ET on Saturday, February 14, you're going to miss the start of the Skills Challenge.
The Official Countdown: NBA All Star Saturday Night Schedule
The festivities for State Farm All-Star Saturday Night are officially slated to begin at 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET.
Because the event is happening in Los Angeles (well, Inglewood to be specific), the local start time is actually mid-afternoon. If you're on the West Coast, you're looking at a 5:00 PM tip-off. For the East Coast crowd, it’s the standard 8:00 PM prime-time slot.
Wait. There's a catch.
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While the broadcast starts at 8:00 PM ET, the "doors" for the Intuit Dome actually open much earlier at 3:30 PM PT (6:30 PM ET). If you're one of the lucky few who snagged tickets to Steve Ballmer's high-tech playground, you’ll want to be in the building early to navigate the biometric entry and find your "Halo Board" view.
Why the Start Time Matters for 2026
This isn't just another year in a random arena. The Intuit Dome is basically a giant computer that happens to host basketball. Because the venue is so focused on technology and fan engagement, the NBA is expected to run a very tight ship with the TV broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Yes, you read that right—NBC is back in the NBA business for the first time in over two decades.
The sequence usually goes like this:
- Kia Skills Challenge: The big men and guards trying not to look silly doing chest passes into a net.
- Starry 3-Point Contest: Where the actual shooters remind us why we get paid to watch and they get paid to play.
- AT&T Slam Dunk: The grand finale that either saves the night or leaves us all arguing on Twitter about the judges.
Where to Watch and How to Get In
If you aren't physically in Inglewood, you're likely watching from home. For 2026, the broadcast rights have shifted. You’ll be looking for NBC for the main event, but it’s also being heavily pushed on Peacock for the streamers out there.
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Honestly, the transition to NBC is kind of a nostalgia trip for older fans who remember the "Roundball Rock" theme song. We’re all hoping they bring that back for the Saturday night intros.
Ticket Realities
Let's talk money for a second. If you're still looking for tickets, prepare for a bit of sticker shock. Prices for "Starter" packages that include All-Star Saturday Night have been hovering around $1,199. That’s for the "cheap" seats. If you want to be close enough to see the sweat on the players' jerseys during the dunk contest, you're looking at several thousand dollars.
The Format Shift: Not Your Average Saturday
The league has been tinkering with the formats lately. While Saturday night usually stays consistent with the three main events, there’s always a chance of a "special" addition. Remember the Steph vs. Sabrina shootout? That kind of cross-over event is becoming the new norm.
We don't have the final participant list yet—the NBA usually drops those names about two weeks before the event—but the expectation is that the league will pull out all the stops for the 75th All-Star anniversary.
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Common Misconceptions About the Start Time
People always get confused by the "pre-show."
Often, there’s a "pre-game" broadcast that starts 30 to 60 minutes before the actual when does All Star Saturday Night start time. If you tune in at 7:30 PM ET, you’re going to see a lot of talking heads and highlights from Friday night’s Rising Stars game. The actual competition doesn't typically get moving until about 15 minutes after the hour once the national anthem and player introductions are finished.
Quick Reference for Time Zones:
- Pacific Time (Local): 5:00 PM
- Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
- Central Time: 7:00 PM
- Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
What to Do Now
If you’re planning a watch party or heading to the arena, here is your checklist:
- Check your subscription: If you’re streaming on Peacock, make sure your login works now. Don't be that person resetting their password while the 3-point contest is starting.
- Arrive early if attending: The Intuit Dome has a strict bag policy (10" x 6" x 2" maximum). Don't get sent back to your car or a locker and miss the Skills Challenge.
- Set your DVR: If you’re a few minutes late, the Skills Challenge goes by fast. Seriously, it's usually over in about 20 minutes.
- Follow the injury reports: By early February, we’ll know which stars are actually participating and who is bowing out to rest their hamstrings.
The most important thing to remember is that the 2026 All-Star Saturday Night is at the Intuit Dome on February 14. It’s Valentine’s Day, so either your partner loves basketball, or you’ve got some serious negotiating to do before that 8:00 PM ET start time.