NBA Rookie Game & Rising Stars Challenge History (1994-2026)

The NBA Rookie Game and Rising Stars Challenge has been a regular part of NBA All-Star Weekend since 1994. The event was created to showcase the league's most promising young players, giving basketball fans an opportunity to watch future stars compete against others from their generation.

The inaugural game was held February 12, 1994, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Phenoms defeated the Sensations 74-68, with Orlando Magic guard Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway earning Most Valuable Player honors. The game featured a talented rookie class that included Chris Webber, Jamal Mashburn, Nick Van Exel, Toni Kukoc and Sam Cassell.

Over the years, the event has undergone several format changes. The early contests featured teams divided by conference or specially named squads. Beginning in 2000, the competition became a matchup between NBA rookies and second-year players. In 2012, the league adopted a draft format with teams selected by former NBA stars.

The international format arrived in 2015, when Team USA faced Team World. That arrangement continued through 2020 and highlighted the growing influence of international players in the NBA. The 2021 game was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, although the league still announced Rising Stars selections.

Beginning in 2022, Rising Stars became a four-team tournament with two semifinals and a championship game. Rather than playing traditional timed games, teams compete to reach a designated target score. The format has produced close finishes, including Team Vince's 25-24 championship victory over Team Melo in 2026.

Throughout its history, the event has featured future NBA champions, Most Valuable Players, All-Stars and Hall of Famers. Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson, Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama are among the many notable players associated with the competition.

Select a year below to view the game or tournament, including available box scores, player statistics, rosters, scores and historical information.

Note: No Rookie Game was played in 1999 because of the NBA lockout. The 2021 Rising Stars game was canceled, but the 2021 page documents the players selected for the event.

The following table lists the winners, runners-up and Most Valuable Players from the first NBA Rookie Game in 1994 through the 2026 Rising Stars Challenge.

The Rising Stars MVP award recognizes the most outstanding player in the game or tournament. The honor has been awarded to some of the NBA's greatest players, including Allen Iverson, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Carmelo Anthony.

1994-1998: The Original NBA Rookie Game

The event began in 1994 as a showcase exclusively for first-year NBA players. Its inaugural contest matched the Phenoms against the Sensations, with the Phenoms winning 74-68. The following year featured the White and Green teams, while the 1996 through 1998 games used Eastern Conference and Western Conference teams. The format provided fans with an early look at players who would help shape the NBA's future.

1999: The NBA Lockout

The NBA did not hold an All-Star Weekend in 1999 because of the labor dispute that delayed the start of the 1998-99 season. As a result, no Rookie Game was played and no MVP award was presented.

2000-2011: Rookies vs. Sophomores

The competition returned in 2000 with a new format that matched first-year players against second-year players. The rookie team won the first matchup 92-83 in overtime, and Chicago Bulls forward Elton Brand earned MVP honors. Over the following decade, the event became a popular showcase for players such as LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant and John Wall.

The sophomore team generally benefited from having an additional year of NBA experience, but the rookies produced notable victories, including the 2010 and 2011 games. John Wall's 22-assist performance in the 2011 contest remains one of the event's most memorable playmaking displays.

2012-2014: The Drafted-Team Era

In 2012, the NBA replaced the traditional rookie-versus-sophomore matchup with a draft conducted by former NBA stars. Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal selected teams in 2012 and 2013, while Grant Hill and Chris Webber served as team general managers in 2014. The change allowed rookies and second-year players to compete together rather than against one another.

2015-2020: Team USA vs. Team World

The league introduced an international format in 2015, reflecting the NBA's growing worldwide talent pool. Team USA faced Team World, with rosters featuring American players on one side and international players on the other. Andrew Wiggins earned MVP honors in the first international-format contest as Team World defeated Team USA 121-112.

The international era included several high-scoring games. Team World scored 155 points in 2018, while Team USA reached 161 points in 2019. Players such as Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Kristaps Porzingis and Lauri Markkanen helped demonstrate the increasing impact of international basketball talent.

2021: Rising Stars Game Canceled

The NBA announced Rising Stars selections for 2021, but the game itself was not played because of the pandemic-related changes to All-Star Weekend. No winning team or Rising Stars MVP was recorded that year.

2022-2026: The Four-Team Tournament

The 2022 Rising Stars Challenge introduced a four-team tournament, with players drafted onto teams coached by former NBA stars. The semifinals and championship were played using target scores rather than a traditional game clock. The format also provided an opportunity for NBA G League players to compete alongside NBA rookies and sophomores.

Rick Barry coached the inaugural tournament champion in 2022, and Cade Cunningham earned MVP honors. Pau Gasol's team won the 2023 event in Salt Lake City, while Jalen Rose coached the 2024 champions in Indianapolis. Chris Mullin led Team C to the 2025 championship in San Francisco, and Vince Carter coached Team Vince to the 2026 title in Inglewood.

2025: Rising Stars Reaches the NBA All-Star Game

In 2025, the Rising Stars champion earned a place in the NBA All-Star Game's new tournament format. Team C won the Rising Stars championship and later competed as Team Candace in the All-Star tournament. The team lost to Team Shaq, but its participation marked a new connection between Rising Stars and the main All-Star event.

The First Rising Stars MVP

Penny Hardaway of the Orlando Magic won the first Rookie Game MVP award in 1994. His Sensations team lost to the Phenoms 74-68, making him an early example of a player receiving MVP recognition despite his team's defeat.

Kevin Durant's 46-Point Performance

Kevin Durant scored 46 points for the sophomore team in the 2009 Rookie Challenge, setting the event's single-game scoring record under the traditional full-game format. His performance helped the sophomores defeat the rookies 122-116.

John Wall's 22 Assists

Washington Wizards rookie John Wall recorded 22 assists in the 2011 game, helping the rookies defeat the sophomores 148-140. He was named MVP after producing one of the most impressive passing performances in the event's history.

The Highest-Scoring Traditional Game

The 2019 Rising Stars Challenge produced 305 combined points as Team USA defeated Team World 161-144. Kyle Kuzma scored 35 points and was named MVP.

The 2016 Three-Point Finish

Team USA defeated Team World 157-154 in the 2016 Rising Stars Challenge. Zach LaVine scored 30 points and won MVP honors.

The First Four-Team Champion

Team Barry, coached by Rick Barry, won the inaugural four-team Rising Stars tournament in 2022. Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham earned the MVP award.

The 2024 Hometown MVP

Bennedict Mathurin won MVP in 2024 while representing the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. His Team Jalen squad defeated Team Detlef 26-13 in the championship.

VJ Edgecombe's 2026 Championship

Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe earned MVP honors in 2026 after scoring 23 points across two games. His two free throws gave Team Vince a 25-24 championship victory over Team Melo.

NBAHoopsOnline maintains additional historical records documenting Rookie Game results, MVP winners, coaches and players who have participated in the event.

When did the NBA Rookie Game begin?

The NBA Rookie Game began February 12, 1994, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Phenoms defeated the Sensations 74-68, and Penny Hardaway won MVP.

What is the difference between the Rookie Game and Rising Stars Challenge?

The original Rookie Game featured first-year NBA players. Later versions included rookies and sophomores, drafted teams, and USA-versus-World matchups. The modern Rising Stars Challenge uses a four-team tournament with NBA rookies, second-year players and G League representatives.

Why was there no Rookie Game in 1999?

The NBA canceled the 1999 All-Star Weekend because of the league's lockout.

Why was the 2021 Rising Stars game canceled?

The NBA did not play the 2021 Rising Stars game because of changes to All-Star Weekend during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rosters were announced, but no game was held.

Who scored the most points in a traditional Rookie Challenge game?

Kevin Durant scored 46 points in the 2009 Rookie Challenge, earning MVP honors for the sophomore team.

Who won the 2026 NBA Rising Stars Challenge?

Team Vince won the 2026 championship by defeating Team Melo 25-24. VJ Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers was named MVP.

Where can I find individual Rising Stars box scores?

Select any year in the archive above to access the available game results, rosters, player statistics and box scores.

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