Clippers, Suns On Tap To Host All-Star Game; Who Might Be After That?

February 16, 2025

As we take a break from the action and look ahead to the future of the NBA All-Star game, it’s clear that hosting the event isn’t just a feather in the cap for the league — it’s a boost for the entire city.

Love it or are over it, the All-Star Game qualifies as a unique event in that it brings significant attention to a host city without the massive costs that come with hosting something like the Super Bowl.

It’s the type of ordeal that makes a city feel special, a moment where the world’s basketball spotlight shines on it, even if only for a weekend.

This year, of course, it’s in San Francisco, home of the Warriors.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming up for the NBA All-Star game, as well as some predictions for future hosts in the years to come:

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NBA All-Star Game Future Locations

2026: The All-Star game will return to Los Angeles, but this time, the game won’t be played at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers are taking center stage with their brand-new Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

This will be a historic shift, as it will mark the first time the All-Star game is held at an arena not shared by the Lakers. It’s a big deal for the Clippers and an exciting move for the city as a whole.

2027: The 2027 NBA All-Star game will be hosted by Phoenix, where the Suns’ Footprint Center will serve as the venue. This will be the fourth time the city has held the game. Phoenix, already used to hosting major events like the Super Bowl, is well-equipped to handle the NBA’s showcase event once again.

Predicting Future All-Star Game Locations

Looking even further down the line, let’s talk predictions. The NBA typically announces the host city three years in advance, meaning the 2028 All-Star game location could be announced as early as this season. So, where could the 2028 event land? Let’s take a look at a few possibilities:

Boston

The Celtics are back at the top of the NBA, with their championship pedigree and a roster that could contend for years to come. Despite Boston’s rich basketball history, the city hasn’t hosted an All-Star game since the 1960s, mainly due to the city’s older infrastructure and its limited ability to accommodate such a large-scale event.

But with TD Garden now a top-tier arena and the Celtics being championship contenders again, Boston could very well be back in the All-Star rotation soon.

San Antonio

San Antonio last hosted the All-Star game in 1996, during the prime of David Robinson’s career. But now, with the Spurs featuring one of the most exciting young talents in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama, the city could be poised for a return to the spotlight.

Wembanyama’s global stardom could make an All-Star game in San Antonio an irresistible opportunity for the NBA. The Spurs’ loyal fanbase and the city’s ability to host big events could make this a no-brainer in a few years.

Miami

Despite being one of the most iconic cities in the world and having hosted multiple Super Bowls, Miami has only been the host of one NBA All-Star game in its history. That seems like something that could change in the near future.

The Heat are in a period of transition, but Miami’s allure as a city and its ability to put on a massive event could push the NBA to revisit it soon.