NBA All-Star Weekend Breaks Attendance Records as League Eyes Global Expansion

The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend concluded in spectacular fashion last night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, setting new attendance records and generating unprecedented global viewership numbers that have league officials optimistic about basketball's continued international growth.

Commissioner Adam Silver announced during his annual State of the League address that this year's All-Star festivities drew a combined attendance of over 180,000 fans across all weekend events, surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by nearly 15%. The main All-Star Game itself was watched by an estimated 25.4 million viewers worldwide, representing a 12% increase from last year's event.

"What we're seeing is basketball's universal appeal reaching new heights," Silver said during his press conference. "The energy in Las Vegas this weekend, combined with our global viewership numbers, reinforces our belief that the NBA is positioned for significant international expansion over the next decade."

The weekend's highlight came during Saturday's Slam Dunk Contest, where Phoenix Suns rookie sensation Marcus Thompson delivered what many are calling the greatest dunk performance in contest history. Thompson's final dunk - a 360-degree windmill over a car - earned perfect 50s from all judges and instantly went viral across social media platforms.

Beyond the on-court spectacle, the economic impact on Las Vegas has been substantial. Local tourism officials estimate the weekend generated over $85 million in direct economic activity, with hotels reporting 100% occupancy rates and restaurants seeing record-breaking weekend revenues.

Looking ahead, Silver hinted at major announcements regarding international expansion, specifically mentioning ongoing discussions about potential franchise opportunities in London and Mexico City. "We're not just thinking about exhibition games anymore," Silver noted. "We're seriously evaluating what a truly global NBA could look like by 2030."

The success of this year's All-Star Weekend also highlighted the league's continued embrace of technology and fan engagement. New virtual reality experiences allowed fans worldwide to feel courtside, while interactive gaming zones at the arena attracted thousands of young fans throughout the weekend.