The NBA is reportedly in discussions to introduce a one-on-one tournament as part of the 2026 All-Star Weekend, with a whopping $1 million prize. The concept has often been discussed in the league and gained some traction during the 2025 All-Star Weekend, and several NBA stars openly supported it. Some of the league’s most prominent names backed the idea and led the NBA to seriously consider this move.
What Can NBA’s One-on-One Tournament Look Like and How Can It Affect The All-Star Weekend?
According to Front Office Sports, the NBA has discussed a $1 million grand prize for the event, making it the most lucrative skills competition in All-Star history. Though the format is still being fine-tuned, but initial reports suggest it could feature a 16-player bracket.
Recently, during a pregame media availability, Rachel Nichols asked Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo if he would be interested in competing in a one-on-one event. She also noted that Kyrie Irving and James Harden had already indicated they’d be up for it. “Yeah for sure,” Antetokounmpo said. “If I had the chance to play one-on-one with anybody, I’d love to do it. Anything that can make the weekend more exciting, more fun, for the viewers and for the fans and for the players, I would love to participate.”
The NBA has long considered the idea of a one-on-one tournament, but logistics have always been an issue. But now that fan engagement is a growing priority and the league is looking to enhance All-Star Weekend, this might be the perfect time to introduce it. The upstart Unrivaled League recently held a one-on-one event where WNBA star Napheesa Collier won a $200,000 grand prize and it found success.
During his press conference, Antetokounmpo also proposed a USA vs. World format for the All-Star Game which is a spin on the idea where the weekend rotates between domestic and international locations. Responding to a press tweet summarizing his idea, Antetokounmpo wrote, “2027 All star game should be in Rio de Janeiro or in a city in China!”
