The 2026 NBA Rising Stars Challenge brings the league’s most promising young talent together for a high-energy, tournament-style showdown during All-Star Weekend. Scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13, the event will feature four newly formed squads, each led by a prominent NBA veteran. Fans can catch the games live on Peacock as the teams battle it out for bragging rights and a chance to showcase their skills.
At a Glance
- Feb. 13: Friday night, 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
- Four teams, each captained by a former star
- Winner of each semifinal must score 40 points; final requires 25 points
- All games streamed exclusively on Peacock
- Venue: Intuit Dome, Los Angeles
Why it matters: The Rising Stars Challenge gives rising players a spotlight and lets fans see future stars in action.
Event Overview
The Rising Stars Challenge is part of the broader All-Star Weekend celebration, which takes place at the Intuit Dome, the home arena of the Los Angeles Clippers. The event showcases the league’s newest talent, drawing interest from fans, scouts, and the media.
Each team is assembled through an NBA on NBC studio draft conducted on Monday, with analysts Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, and Vince Carter selecting the rosters. The fourth team is led by Austin Rivers, who also coaches the G-League squad.
Format and Rules
The competition follows a mini-tournament format similar to last year’s All-Star Game. Two semifinals determine the finalists, with the first team to reach or surpass 40 points in each semifinal advancing.
The championship game adopts a shorter scoring target: the first team to reach or surpass 25 points wins the title. This format emphasizes fast-paced, high-scoring play.
Teams
The teams are named after their captains, reflecting the influence of the veteran leaders in shaping the rosters.
Team Melo
- Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
- Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)
- Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
- Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs)
- Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Collin Murray-Boyles (Toronto Raptors)
Team T-Mac
- Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)
- Kel’el Ware (Miami Heat)
- Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards)
- Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards)
- Ajay Mitchell (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Jaylon Tyson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Cam Spencer (Memphis Grizzlies)
Team Vince
- V.J. Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Kyshawn George (Washington Wizards)
- Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls)
- Egor Dёmin (Brooklyn Nets)
- Cedric Coward (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
Team Rivers (G-League squad)
- Sean East II (Salt Lake City Stars)
- Ron Harper Jr. (Maine Celtics)
- David Jones Garcia (Austin Spurs)
- Yanic Konan Niederhäuser (San Diego Clippers)
- Alijah Martin (Raptors 905)
- Tristen Newton (Rio Grande Valley Vipers)
- Yang Hansen (Rip City Remix)
Scheduling and Coverage
The Rising Stars Challenge will air exclusively on Peacock, providing a convenient streaming option for viewers nationwide.
All games take place on Friday, Feb. 13, at the Intuit Dome, with the first semifinal scheduled for 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Fans can follow the action live on the platform.
The event is part of the larger All-Star Weekend lineup, which includes other showcases and activities.
Key Takeaways
- Feb. 13 marks the night of the Rising Stars Challenge, a showcase for the league’s top emerging talent.
- Four teams compete in a tournament format, with semifinals requiring 40 points and the final capped at 25 points.
- Each team is captained by a former NBA star, adding star power and mentorship to the rosters.
- The event streams exclusively on Peacock, ensuring accessibility for fans across the country.
- All games are played at the Intuit Dome, the home of the Los Angeles Clippers, during the All-Star Weekend.
By bringing together young prospects and veteran leaders, the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Challenge offers a glimpse of the future stars who will shape the league’s next decade.
