Picture this: Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold teaming up with Bruno Fernandes, facing off against a side captained by Heung-min Son with Enzo Fernandes and Declan Rice pulling the strings in midfield. Sounds like a FIFA Ultimate Team dream, doesn’t it? But what if this became an actual fixture? Taking a page from the NBA, the Premier League could establish its own All-Star Game. Chelsea chairman, Todd Boehly, is an enormous advocate of a match like this and has suggested that the UK follow in the path of its friendly, entertainment-focused neighbour across the pond.
How could it work?
The NBA has given us various formats: East vs West, and the recent Team LeBron vs Team Giannis style draft. The Premier League could divide teams geographically: a North vs South clash perhaps? Imagine Manchester, Newcastle and Liverpool stars teaming up against the London big boys with a sprinkle of South Coast magic.
Alternatively, a draft system could work wonders. Two chosen captains (think top goal scorers or fan favorites) pick their teams from a pool of All-Stars. This could lead to unprecedented pairings: rival club players turning teammates, or international teammates going head to head.
There are so many potential benefits of this type of match, not least the incredible entertainment.
Entertainment Galore: Like the NBA All-Star Weekend, this would be more than just a game. Skills challenges, penalty shootouts, or even a mini 5-a-side tournament could be part of the festivities. I, for one, would love to watch James Ward-Prowse and Kevin de Bruyne battle it out for the title of the best free-kick taker in the Premier League.
Global Audience: The Premier League is already a global brand. This would be another jewel in its crown, attracting audiences even from non-footballing nations curious about the spectacle.
Charity: Just like the NBA’s community-focused events, a chunk of the proceeds could go to charity. This would be a phenomenal way to give back, turning entertainment into philanthropy. The NBA All-Star game raised over $3m in 2023, and this number could be even higher in the UK as the Premier League has a higher viewership and worldwide interest.
Bridging Rivalries: Imagine Manchester United and Manchester City fans cheering for the same goal. Rivalries taking a backseat, even if for a day, would be a testament to the game’s unifying power.
However, it must be said that there are potential drawbacks to an All-Star match like this.
Injury Concerns: Like in the NBA, there will be concerns about star players getting injured. Given the packed football calendar, adding another match might raise eyebrows. In the current football climate, there are already far too many muscular injuries, an All-Star game wouldn’t help.
Calendar Clashes: There is simply no space in the football calendar anymore, there are just too many games. Finding a suitable window during the season could be challenging. Winter break? Maybe, but ensuring players get actual rest is vital. Post-season? It runs into international tournaments or pre-season club tours.
Competitive Balance: Would players take it seriously, or would it be a glorified friendly? Striking a balance between competitiveness and fun is crucial. In the NBA, fans often complain about the lack of defence and real basketball played in these games. Whilst they want to see the world’s best players compete legitimately all on the same court, it is often played with a recreational feel, rather than a contentious one.
Bridging Rivalries: Part of the magic of English football, as puerile as it seems to say, is the tribalistic nature of fans, players and clubs. Manchester United players should never play for Manchester City, and vice-versa. Arsenal and Tottenham fans should never be supporting the same footballing cause, England excluded. This is why Wayne Rooney claimed that the All-Star game would never work in the UK. For him, the rivalry between teams is just too great.
Drawing parallels to the NBA All-Star Game, a Premier League version could be the next big thing in football entertainment. However, the essence of football, its traditions and the physical nature of the sport, will play a pivotal role in shaping the feasibility of such an event.
So, are we ready to see Rashford and Rodri on the same side? Or Haaland trying to outscore Højlund on the opposite team? The football universe might just be gearing up for its most star-studded spectacle yet.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
