Different professional sports of the United States each have a game where that league’s best get together and play in an All Star Game. This year the NBA did an All Star Weekend, NFL had the Pro Bowl, the NHL put on The Honda NHL All Star Game, and baseball will have All Star Game in July.

The National Basketball Association, or NBA,  put on a whole All Star Weekend February 12-14, 2016. This year it was held in Toronto, Canada, featuring NBA great Kobe Bryant’s 18th and last All Star Game. They showcase a Celebrity All Star Game on Friday 12, including America’s biggest names in movies, tv, music, and comedy. As for Saturday 13, there was Skills Challenge, 3 Point Contest, and the famous Slam Dunk Contest is on Sunday 14. In the East vs West Kia NBA All Star Game, the Western All Stars defeated the Eastern All Stars 196 to 173. Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder was named the Kia All Star MVP.

The National Football League, or NFL, hosted a Pro Bowl January 31, 2016 in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was featuring Charles Woodson of the Oakland Raiders, 9th and last Pro Bowl. The league’s best offense, defense, and special teams players were selected in a draft by NFL Hall Of Fame legends Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin; these teams competed against each other in an exhibition game. Team Irvin defeated Team Rice 49 to 27. Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks was named the Pro Bowl MVP.

The National Hockey League, or NHL, showcased it’s talent in The Honda NHL All Star Game on January 31, 2016, featuring the league’s best players in their respected divisions: Pacific, Central, Metropolitan, and Atlantic. The NHL all star game is set up as a tournament. First the Pacific Division and Central Division played, and Pacific won next the Metropolitan and Atlantic played, and Atlantic won. Atlantic and Pacific went on to play in the NHL All Star Game final. The Pacific won 1 to 0; John Scott of the Montreal Canadiens Organization was named the NHL Honda MVP.

America’s professional sports leagues host an All Star Game, getting the best players together to put on a show and wow viewers and fans. From the home run derby to the slam dunk contest, people are amazed at what athletes can do and love to see the best play together.