The race for starting spots in the 2025-26 NBA All-Star Game has its first frontrunners, with global superstars Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo taking commanding leads in the initial fan vote returns.
Western and Eastern Conference Leaders Emerge
In the Western Conference, Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers has captured the top spot, showcasing his immense popularity following his high-profile move. He is followed closely by a cadre of elite talent: Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Stephen Curry, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama.
Over in the Eastern Conference, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo holds the pole position. The race behind him features Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, New York Knicks playmaker Jalen Brunson, Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham, and Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell.
How the All-Star Selection Process Works
The fan vote is a crucial, but not sole, determinant of who starts the mid-season classic. Fan votes account for 50 percent of the final tally to select the All-Star starters. The remaining 50 percent is split evenly between current NBA players and a panel of media members, with each group holding a 25 percent share of the vote.
This balanced system ensures that while fan passion drives the conversation, peer and media recognition also play a significant role in finalizing the league's most prestigious exhibition lineup.
Setting the Stage for All-Star 2026
The culmination of this voting process will be the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, scheduled for February 15, 2026. The event will be held at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the new home arena of the Los Angeles Clippers. The venue is poised to host the league's brightest stars for a weekend of celebration and competition.
As voting continues, these first returns set the narrative for the campaigns to come. Fans, players, and media will now watch to see if the leaders can maintain their positions or if other stars will make a surge in the subsequent voting updates.
