The NBA All-Star Game has long been a fan favorite—a spectacle of basketball talent, high-flying dunks, and thrilling moments. But this year, the event hit a bump in the road. The NBA made a massive change to the game’s format, and the response wasn’t favorable. Even NBA stars like Draymond Green gave it a harsh review, calling it a “0 out of 10” and saying it “sucks.” The new format didn’t resonate with fans or players, raising the question: what went wrong, and what can entrepreneurs and personal brands learn from this situation?

In this article, we’ll break down the key lessons entrepreneurs and personal brands can take away from the NBA All-Star Game’s misstep. From branding consistency to the importance of testing before making big changes, there are valuable takeaways that can apply to any business or personal brand. Let’s dive in.

1. People Love You for What You’re Known For

In business, branding is everything. Your audience gravitates toward you because they trust you and know what to expect. Whether you’re known for your leadership insights, creative problem-solving, or expertise in a specific industry, consistency in your messaging and offerings builds trust. People appreciate reliability—they want to know that when they turn to you, they’ll get what they expect.

For years, the NBA All-Star Game was beloved for its elite competition, flashy skills, and unforgettable moments. It had a signature style that fans looked forward to every year. But this year, when the league decided to make sweeping changes to the format, the result was confusion and dissatisfaction. The game lost its familiar charm, and fans struggled to connect with the new version.

The lesson here for entrepreneurs is clear: stick to your core strengths. Trying to be everything to everyone or radically shifting your identity can alienate your audience. It’s essential to stay true to what made you successful in the first place.

Related: What Damian Lillard Taught Me About Personal Branding

2. Authenticity Over Trends

The NBA’s mistake was jumping into a new format without considering the essence of what made the event great. Similarly, many entrepreneurs and personal brands fall into the trap of chasing trends. It’s tempting to jump on the latest social media platform, adapt to new content formats, or talk about whatever is trending, but doing so without considering if it fits your brand can backfire.

For example, if you’re a thought leader known for in-depth articles or essays, suddenly switching to short TikTok videos may confuse your audience and diminish your brand’s value. If you’re a motivational speaker, pivoting to technical finance content just because it’s the hot topic may alienate your followers.

While trends can be powerful tools to connect with new audiences, they should never dictate the direction of your brand. Instead, your brand should dictate how you interact with trends. You can engage with what’s popular, but do it in a way that aligns with your core values and message.

3. Evolve, but Do It in Measured Ways

The best brands evolve over time. But evolution should be gradual, not a drastic overhaul. The NBA All-Star Game needed adjustments, but the massive change in format was too abrupt. It would have been wiser for the NBA to introduce changes slowly, giving fans a chance to adjust and providing room for feedback.

Entrepreneurs can learn a lot from this mistake. If you’re thinking about launching a new product, experimenting with a different content format, or adjusting your messaging, start small. Don’t dive into a full-scale transformation right away. Test the waters and gather feedback before making a permanent shift.

For example:

• If you’re a writer who wants to experiment with video content, start by adding short video clips to your current content strategy instead of completely switching over to video.
• If you’re introducing a new product, try launching a beta version or offering it to a small segment of your audience first.
• If you want to change your brand’s positioning, test out the new messaging through a few posts, conversations, or speeches before fully rebranding.

Small tests allow you to evolve without losing your core audience or confusing them in the process.

Related: Jaylen Brown On the Business Idea He Got From Kobe Bryant

4. Your Brand Is Built on Trust—Don’t Break It

Trust is the foundation of any great brand. The NBA All-Star Game had built a reputation for excitement and high-quality entertainment over decades. When the format changed too drastically without considering what fans loved about the event, it disrupted that trust. The same happens when personal brands make sudden, radical pivots.

If your audience has come to rely on you for a specific message or product, abruptly changing course can lead to confusion and alienation. People engage with your brand not only because of what you do but because of who you are and what you represent. A personal brand isn’t just about content; it’s about the experience, the feeling, and the relationship you’ve built with your followers.

Related: ‘Authenticity is Key’: How Two-Time NBA Champion Jrue Holiday is Prioritizing Mental Fitness and Fashion With Rhone

5. Test Before You Transform

One of the most effective strategies for sustainable branding is gradual adaptation. If the NBA had tested the new format with smaller events, or even polled its fanbase for feedback, it could have avoided the backlash. Entrepreneurs can take the same approach. Before making significant shifts in your brand, it’s vital to test the changes first.

Here’s how to test before you transform:

• Listen to your audience. What do they love about you? What are they asking for more of?
• Test in small batches. Introduce new ideas, products, or formats gradually and track how your audience responds.
• Iterate based on feedback. Don’t make sweeping changes until you’ve gauged how your audience feels and adjusted accordingly.

By testing and adjusting, you can minimize risks and ensure that any new direction aligns with what your audience loves about your brand.

The Takeaway: Stay True to What Makes You Great

The key lesson from the NBA All-Star Game’s mishap is simple: stick to what makes you great. Your personal or business brand is built on the things that make you unique, memorable, and valuable to your audience. Evolution is important, but it should be done strategically and with care.

Jumping on trends, making massive changes without testing, or abandoning your core strengths can erode the trust and connection you’ve worked hard to build. Instead, focus on doubling down on your strengths, listening to your audience, and evolving in a way that complements your core identity.

Because at the end of the day, people follow you—not for what’s trendy, but for what’s truly authentic to you.