In partnership with the WNBA, the spirits brand hosted the Hennessy Arena 2x2 Showcase, a matchup featuring some of the league’s top players at San Francisco City Hall. WNBA champion A’ja Wilson presented the matchup, with "The City" (DiJonai Carrington and Arike Ogunbowale) going head-to-head on the court against "The Town" (Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray). Hennessy Arena also hosted a courtside conversation with NBA legend Baron Davis and media personality Tone Kapone.Photo: Jojo Korsh/BFA
But the main event—the 74th NBA All-Star Game—looked a little different. Instead of the usual four-quarter format, this year’s game was a four-team, tournament-style showdown.
Held at the Chase Center on Sunday, the event featured the 24 All-Stars split into three teams that were drafted by TNT's Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenny Smith. The fourth team was coached by Candace Parker and included the NBA’s Rising Stars (made up of first- and second-year players), led by San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle.
Three games were played in total, with the winner of the first two games meeting in the championship. The first team to reach 40 points in each game won. All-Star MVP Steph Curry and Team Shaq beat Team Chuck 41-25 in the championship.
The new format, which featured extended breaks in between the games, has drawn significant criticism for its lack of competitive spirit and entertainment value, with fans and commentators expressing disappointment. Discussions around revitalizing the event include reverting to the traditional East vs. West format or introducing new competitive elements like a 1v1 tournament.
Despite the on-court controversy, brands continued to show out in San Francisco for the three-day event. All-Star-themed pop-up stores from NBA partners including American Express, Bleacher Report, Foot Locker, and Puma were open along Powell Street as part of NBA All-Star Alley, while Union Square featured a custom basketball court designed by artist Victor Solomon and every cable car showcased NBA All-Star 2025 branding throughout the weekend.
Next year’s NBA All-Star Weekend will be held at the LA Clippers' new arena in Inglewood, Calif., Feb. 13-15, 2026.
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