The National Basketball Association’s mid-season exhibition game scheduled for the year 2026 is a significant event on the league’s calendar. This showcase features a selection of the league’s top players, chosen through a combination of fan, player, and media voting, competing in a friendly, high-scoring contest. Leading up to the game, a weekend of festivities typically occurs, including a rising stars challenge, a skills competition, a three-point contest, and a slam dunk contest.
The annual event provides numerous benefits. It generates substantial revenue for the host city through tourism, hospitality, and merchandise sales. Furthermore, it offers a global platform for promoting the NBA brand and its athletes. Historically, the location of this event has been strategically selected, often rewarding cities that have invested in infrastructure or demonstrated strong fan support. The selection process considers factors such as arena capacity, hotel availability, and local market demographics.
Discussion regarding potential host cities, anticipated player participation, and expected economic impact are primary topics. Analysis of projected attendance figures and television viewership are common features in sports news. Speculation surrounding the selection of players and coaches will undoubtedly dominate pre-event coverage.
1. Host city selection
The selection of the host city for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game is a crucial decision with far-reaching implications. The process involves a competitive bidding phase, where cities present their qualifications to the NBA. These qualifications encompass factors such as arena facilities, hotel capacity, transportation infrastructure, and the city’s track record in hosting large-scale events. A successful bid can generate significant economic benefits for the chosen city, creating jobs and boosting local revenue. For example, the city hosting the 2025 All-Star Game, estimated an economic impact exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars.
The NBA’s criteria extend beyond mere logistical considerations. The league also assesses the city’s commitment to basketball, its local fan base, and its ability to create a memorable experience for attendees. A city’s previous experience hosting similar events, such as NCAA tournament games or other major sporting championships, is often viewed favorably. Moreover, the NBA may consider the opportunity to expand its brand in a particular market, potentially selecting a city with a growing basketball following or a diverse demographic profile. The strategic alignment between the city’s vision and the NBA’s goals is vital for a successful bid.
In conclusion, the host city selection is a multifaceted process that significantly shapes the overall success and impact of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. The chosen city not only provides the physical infrastructure but also contributes to the atmosphere and legacy of the event. Understanding the selection criteria and the associated economic and promotional benefits underscores the importance of this decision for both the NBA and the host community. Potential challenges involve managing the influx of visitors and ensuring a seamless event experience, all of which contribute to the long-term success and perception of the All-Star Game.
2. Player eligibility criteria
Player eligibility for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game is governed by specific criteria that determine which athletes are considered for participation. These criteria are fundamental to maintaining the integrity and competitive spirit of the event, ensuring that only the most deserving players are selected to represent their respective conferences.
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Performance Metrics
Statistical performance is a primary factor in determining player eligibility. Metrics such as points per game, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks are closely scrutinized. Players consistently demonstrating high levels of performance in these areas are more likely to be considered for selection. For instance, a player averaging a double-double throughout the 2025-2026 season would significantly enhance their eligibility for the All-Star Game.
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Fan Voting Influence
Fan voting constitutes a significant portion of the selection process, impacting player eligibility. While fan votes alone do not guarantee selection, they can substantially influence the outcome, particularly for borderline cases. A player with a strong social media presence and dedicated fan base may receive a substantial boost in votes, increasing their chances of being selected as an All-Star. This element introduces a popularity aspect to the otherwise performance-based criteria.
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Player and Media Voting
In addition to fan voting, players and members of the media also contribute to the selection process. Their votes carry considerable weight and often reflect a more nuanced assessment of a player’s overall contribution to their team. This includes factors such as leadership, defensive prowess, and impact on team dynamics, aspects that may not be fully captured by statistical metrics. A player respected by peers and recognized by the media for their intangible qualities may be more likely to earn a spot on the All-Star roster.
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Injury and Availability
A player’s availability throughout the season is a critical aspect of their eligibility. Players who have missed a significant number of games due to injury may be deemed ineligible, regardless of their statistical performance when active. The rationale is that All-Star selection should reflect consistent performance over a substantial portion of the season. For example, a player who is injured close to the voting deadline may be replaced by an alternate.
These interconnected facets collectively define the player eligibility landscape for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. The selection process aims to strike a balance between statistical achievement, fan appeal, peer recognition, and consistent participation, ensuring that the most deserving and impactful players are recognized on this prominent stage.
3. Fan voting influence
Fan voting exerts a considerable influence on the composition of the rosters for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. This process allows the public to directly participate in selecting the players who will represent their respective conferences. The outcome of fan voting directly impacts the selection of starters, typically accounting for 50% of the total vote, with the remaining 50% split between player and media votes. This allocation of influence establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship; higher fan vote totals correlate to an increased likelihood of a player securing a starting position in the game. This dynamic elevates popular players, often those with substantial social media presence and broad appeal, potentially over athletes with superior statistical performance but less prominent public profiles. The structure ensures representation of fan favorites alongside objective performance metrics.
The importance of fan voting influence as a component of the event cannot be overstated. It generates engagement and enthusiasm amongst the league’s fanbase, creating an emotional connection between the audience and the athletes participating. For example, a lesser-known player might leverage a viral campaign or a concentrated effort from their fanbase to garner significant votes, potentially earning them a spot in the starting lineup. This component affects television ratings and merchandise sales, as fans are more likely to tune in and purchase items related to players they actively supported in the selection process. Real-life examples include players who, despite being statistically inferior to their peers, have secured All-Star selections due to their popularity and fan engagement. Understanding this influence allows teams to proactively market their players and engage with their fanbase to maximize their chances of All-Star recognition.
Ultimately, fan voting influence represents a significant aspect of the broader appeal and success of the 2026 All-Star Game. While it introduces a degree of subjectivity into the selection process, it effectively engages the audience and creates a vested interest in the event’s outcome. Balancing fan sentiment with player performance and media assessment remains a key challenge in optimizing the roster selection. The practical significance of this understanding lies in its ability to enhance fan participation, drive viewership, and ultimately contribute to the commercial success of the league’s mid-season showcase. The strategic application of marketing and fanbase engagement provides a mechanism for maximizing All-Star opportunities within an environment where quantifiable performance metrics intersect with public opinion.
4. Skills Challenge participants
Skills Challenge participants represent a key component of the All-Star Weekend events culminating in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. The Skills Challenge showcases the agility, passing accuracy, and dribbling prowess of selected players. Its inclusion serves multiple purposes: it provides entertainment value, it highlights diverse skill sets beyond traditional scoring, and it offers an alternative competitive format distinct from the All-Star Game itself. Participation is by invitation, typically extended to a mix of guards, forwards, and centers known for their exceptional ball-handling and court awareness. A player’s performance in the Skills Challenge can indirectly influence their overall perception and marketability, enhancing their brand and appeal to fans and sponsors. Therefore, selection as a Skills Challenge participant is both an honor and an opportunity, connected to, but distinctly separate from, the main All-Star Game selection.
The selection process for Skills Challenge participants is not solely based on statistical dominance; rather, it considers a player’s creativity, dexterity, and ability to perform under pressure in a non-game setting. Often, participants are rising stars or established veterans looking to demonstrate aspects of their game beyond conventional metrics. For instance, a center known primarily for rebounding may use the Skills Challenge to showcase their passing or ball-handling abilities, adding another layer to their public persona. Media coverage of the Skills Challenge provides valuable exposure, and highlights reels from the event can circulate widely, further solidifying a player’s image and attracting attention from fans. Moreover, the results of the competition, while not directly impacting team standings, can create talking points and narratives that contribute to the overall excitement surrounding the All-Star weekend.
In summary, Skills Challenge participants are intrinsically linked to the 2026 NBA All-Star event, offering a unique demonstration of basketball skills and providing an additional platform for player recognition. The selection criteria, focusing on agility and dexterity, differentiate this event from traditional performance metrics. The practical significance lies in its capacity to enhance a player’s brand and contribute to the overall entertainment value of the All-Star Weekend. Potential challenges include maintaining a high level of innovation and ensuring the event remains engaging for viewers, thereby sustaining its relevance within the broader All-Star experience.
5. Slam Dunk Contest judges
The selection of judges for the Slam Dunk Contest at the 2026 NBA All-Star event is a critical component in determining the contest’s outcome and overall appeal. These judges are responsible for evaluating the creativity, difficulty, and execution of each dunk, thereby influencing the final scores and ultimately deciding the winner. Their role is intrinsically linked to the event’s success and the entertainment value it provides.
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Criteria for Selection
The NBA typically selects former players, often renowned for their dunking abilities or contributions to the sport, to serve as judges. Celebrities with a connection to basketball or a strong public profile may also be included to enhance the contest’s entertainment value. The criteria emphasize experience, credibility, and the ability to provide fair and insightful evaluations. The selection balances basketball expertise with popular appeal to maximize viewer engagement.
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Impact on Scoring
Judges assign scores to each dunk based on pre-defined criteria, including the dunk’s originality, the degree of difficulty, and the execution of the maneuver. A high score indicates a well-executed and innovative dunk, while a low score reflects deficiencies in these areas. The scoring directly determines the contest’s progression, influencing which participants advance to subsequent rounds and ultimately which player is crowned the champion. Consistent and impartial scoring is essential to maintain the contest’s integrity and perceived fairness.
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Influence on Player Performance
The presence of experienced judges can influence the performance of the contestants. Players may tailor their dunks to appeal to the judges’ preferences, attempting more difficult or creative maneuvers to impress the panel. Knowing that their efforts will be evaluated by respected figures can motivate participants to push their limits and showcase their best skills. Conversely, the pressure of performing in front of esteemed judges can also lead to mistakes or hesitation, affecting the overall quality of the competition.
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Contribution to Entertainment Value
The composition of the judging panel directly contributes to the entertainment value of the Slam Dunk Contest. Judges who are charismatic and engaging can enhance the viewing experience, providing commentary and reactions that resonate with the audience. Their presence adds an element of celebrity and creates a more dynamic and engaging atmosphere. The judges’ interactions with the contestants and their expressions of awe or disappointment can amplify the excitement and drama of the competition, thereby increasing its overall appeal.
The selection and performance of Slam Dunk Contest judges are integral to the success of the event at the 2026 NBA All-Star showcase. Their ability to provide fair evaluations, influence player performance, and enhance entertainment value collectively contribute to the contest’s overall impact and appeal. Examples include past judges whose presence elevated the contest’s profile and whose scoring decisions sparked both praise and debate, thereby fueling public interest and engagement.
6. Rising Stars game format
The Rising Stars game format is an integral component of the broader 2026 NBA All-Star event, serving as a showcase for the league’s most promising young players. The format, often subject to alterations year-to-year, is designed to provide a competitive yet entertaining exhibition of developing talent. The game’s inclusion affects the overall appeal of the All-Star weekend, attracting attention from fans and media interested in the league’s future stars. The structure and rules of the Rising Stars game directly influence player participation, strategy, and the overall viewing experience. A well-designed format can amplify the excitement and competitiveness, while a poorly conceived one may diminish its impact. Its importance stems from its ability to generate interest and anticipation for the future trajectory of the league. For example, changes in the format, such as the introduction of a target score in recent years, have demonstrably increased the game’s intensity and watchability, prompting greater engagement from both participants and spectators. The effect is to create a stage where future stars can shine and gain invaluable exposure.
Further analysis of the Rising Stars game format reveals its practical applications for player development and team building. The game provides young players with the opportunity to compete against their peers in a high-pressure environment, fostering growth and experience. Coaches often utilize the game to experiment with different lineups and strategies, offering insights into player compatibility and potential future roles within their respective teams. The format also provides a platform for players to showcase their individual skills and gain recognition, potentially leading to increased endorsement opportunities and career advancement. Real-world examples include players who have used strong performances in the Rising Stars game as a springboard to greater success and recognition within the league. A strategically designed format enhances the event’s capacity to contribute to player development and team strategy.
In conclusion, the Rising Stars game format is inextricably linked to the 2026 NBA All-Star event, serving as a crucial platform for showcasing emerging talent and driving fan engagement. Challenges involve balancing entertainment value with meaningful competition and adapting the format to optimize player development. Understanding the significance of the Rising Stars game format allows stakeholders, including the league, teams, and players, to maximize its impact and contribution to the overall success of the All-Star weekend and the long-term growth of the NBA. The events success relies on the continual evolution and refinement of the format to maintain its relevance and appeal.
7. Coaches selection process
The selection of coaches for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game is a process integral to the event’s competitive integrity and overall presentation. The coaches chosen to lead the All-Star teams are typically those who have demonstrated exceptional performance in the NBA regular season leading up to the event.
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Criteria for Head Coach Selection
The head coach positions are generally awarded to the coaches with the best regular-season records in each conference as of a specific date, usually a few weeks prior to the All-Star Game. Exceptions may occur if a coach has been selected in the preceding year, precluding consecutive selections for the same individual. This criterion prioritizes regular-season success as a primary indicator of coaching acumen.
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Assistant Coach Selection
The selected head coaches then have the prerogative to choose their assistant coaching staff. These selections often reflect a desire to reward diligent members of their own coaching staff or to provide developmental opportunities for promising assistant coaches within their organization. The assistant coach selections can provide a platform for showcasing different coaching styles and philosophies.
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Strategic Implications for the Game
The coaches selected for the All-Star Game can influence the strategic approach taken during the contest. While the game is traditionally high-scoring and less defensively focused, the coaching staff can implement specific plays or rotations to either showcase individual players or to create a more competitive environment. The strategic decisions made by the coaches can significantly impact the game’s flow and final outcome.
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Impact on Coaching Careers
Being selected as an All-Star Game coach can have positive implications for a coach’s career trajectory. The recognition associated with the selection can enhance their reputation within the league and among fans. This accolade can also serve as a valuable addition to a coach’s resume, potentially leading to future opportunities for advancement or higher-profile coaching positions.
In summary, the coaches selection process for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game is multifaceted, balancing recognition of regular-season success with strategic considerations for the game itself. The coaches’ impact extends beyond the event, influencing their careers and shaping the competitive dynamics of the game. Understanding this process provides a comprehensive view of the factors that contribute to the All-Star Game’s overall significance.
8. TV broadcast rights
Television broadcast rights form a cornerstone of the financial and promotional ecosystem surrounding the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. These rights, negotiated between the NBA and various media outlets, determine which networks and streaming services can legally broadcast the game and associated events to viewers globally. The revenue generated from these rights significantly impacts the league’s overall financial health and its capacity to invest in future events and player development.
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Revenue Generation
The sale of television broadcast rights constitutes a substantial revenue stream for the NBA. Networks pay significant sums for the exclusive right to broadcast the All-Star Game and related programming, such as the Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest. These revenues are then distributed among the league’s teams, contributing to player salaries, infrastructure improvements, and marketing initiatives. For example, the current NBA broadcast deals with ESPN and Turner Sports generate billions of dollars annually, a portion of which is directly attributable to the All-Star Game’s viewership.
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Reach and Exposure
Television broadcast rights dictate the reach and exposure of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. Agreements with major networks and streaming platforms ensure that the event is accessible to a wide audience, both domestically and internationally. This broad exposure enhances the league’s brand visibility, attracts new fans, and promotes the sport globally. Broadcasting agreements often include provisions for international broadcasts and streaming options, further expanding the game’s global footprint.
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Scheduling and Production Value
Television broadcast rights influence the scheduling and production value of the All-Star Game. Networks collaborate with the NBA to determine the optimal time slot for the game, maximizing viewership and advertising revenue. Broadcasters invest in high-quality production equipment and personnel to deliver a visually appealing and engaging broadcast experience. The broadcast rights agreements typically include provisions for enhanced viewing options, such as multiple camera angles, instant replays, and on-screen graphics, enhancing the viewer experience.
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Advertising Revenue
Television broadcast rights agreements enable networks to generate substantial advertising revenue during the All-Star Game broadcast. Advertisers pay premium rates for the opportunity to reach the large and engaged audience that tunes in to watch the event. The advertising revenue generated from the All-Star Game helps offset the cost of acquiring the broadcast rights and contributes to the network’s overall profitability. Sponsorship deals and in-game advertising are integral components of the television broadcast model.
In conclusion, television broadcast rights are inextricably linked to the financial and promotional success of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. These rights not only generate significant revenue for the league and its teams but also ensure broad exposure and high production values, enhancing the event’s appeal to fans worldwide. The strategic management of these rights is therefore crucial for maximizing the value and impact of the All-Star Game within the broader NBA ecosystem.
9. Economic impact assessment
Economic impact assessment, in relation to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, involves a systematic analysis of the event’s influence on the host city’s and surrounding regions’ economies. This assessment aims to quantify both the direct and indirect financial effects stemming from the game and its associated activities. Direct effects include spending by attendees on lodging, dining, transportation, and entertainment. Indirect effects encompass the subsequent economic activity generated as these businesses spend their increased revenue on goods and services. A thorough assessment considers both the short-term gains during the event weekend and any longer-term benefits, such as infrastructure improvements or increased tourism appeal. The absence of a rigorous economic impact assessment can lead to misinformed decisions regarding resource allocation and event planning, potentially diminishing the anticipated benefits.
The importance of conducting an economic impact assessment lies in its ability to provide stakeholders with a clear understanding of the potential return on investment. Host cities often make significant financial commitments to secure the All-Star Game, including infrastructure upgrades, security enhancements, and promotional campaigns. A well-executed assessment provides data to justify these investments and to guide strategic planning to maximize economic benefits. For example, if an assessment indicates that a large proportion of attendees are likely to utilize public transportation, the city can prioritize improvements to its transit system. Similarly, understanding the projected demand for hotel rooms allows for effective management of lodging resources. Furthermore, the assessment provides a baseline against which the actual economic performance of the event can be measured post-event, allowing for adjustments in future bidding strategies.
In conclusion, the economic impact assessment is an essential component of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game’s planning and execution. It offers insights into potential benefits, guides resource allocation, and provides a benchmark for evaluating the event’s success. Challenges in conducting these assessments include accurately predicting attendee behavior and accounting for displacement effects, where spending is merely shifted from one area of the economy to another. Despite these challenges, the economic impact assessment remains a critical tool for ensuring that the All-Star Game delivers tangible economic benefits to its host community, contributing to the event’s long-term viability and positive impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries concerning the 2026 NBA All-Star event, providing factual and concise responses to enhance understanding of its various aspects.
Question 1: How is the host city for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game determined?
The host city selection involves a competitive bidding process. Cities submit proposals detailing their infrastructure, accommodations, and financial commitments. The NBA evaluates these bids based on factors such as arena quality, hotel availability, and the city’s overall capacity to host a large-scale event.
Question 2: What criteria govern player eligibility for participation in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game?
Player eligibility is determined by a combination of factors, including statistical performance, fan voting, and player and media voting. While fan votes carry significant weight, performance metrics and peer recognition also play crucial roles in the selection process. Injury status and overall availability throughout the season are also considered.
Question 3: How significant is fan voting in influencing the selection of All-Star Game participants?
Fan voting constitutes a substantial portion of the overall vote, typically accounting for 50% of the weighting for starters. This influence enables popular players to secure positions on the All-Star roster, although performance-based criteria are also considered. The remaining percentage is split between player and media votes.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the Skills Challenge during the All-Star Weekend?
The Skills Challenge serves to showcase players’ agility, ball-handling skills, and passing accuracy. It provides entertainment value while highlighting aspects of players’ abilities beyond traditional scoring. Participation is by invitation and often includes a mix of guards, forwards, and centers.
Question 5: What qualifications are typically sought in judges for the Slam Dunk Contest?
Slam Dunk Contest judges are usually former NBA players, often recognized for their dunking prowess or contributions to the sport. Celebrities with a connection to basketball may also be selected. Qualifications emphasize experience, credibility, and the ability to provide fair and insightful evaluations.
Question 6: How does television broadcast revenue impact the 2026 NBA All-Star event?
Television broadcast rights generate significant revenue for the NBA. Agreements with major networks and streaming platforms ensure widespread exposure for the event. The revenue from these rights contributes to player salaries, infrastructure improvements, and marketing initiatives, supporting the league’s overall financial health.
Key takeaways include the multifaceted nature of player selection, the economic benefits generated by the event, and the strategic importance of television broadcast rights.
The discussion now transitions to potential impacts and forecasts related to the 2026 event.
Navigating the 2026 NBA All-Star Experience
This section provides actionable advice for those planning to attend, participate in, or otherwise engage with the 2026 NBA All-Star event.
Tip 1: Secure Accommodations Early. Given the high demand associated with the event, securing lodging well in advance is crucial. Hotel availability diminishes significantly closer to the event date, and prices typically escalate. Prioritize booking through reputable channels and consider proximity to the arena and event venues.
Tip 2: Plan Transportation Strategically. The host city’s transportation infrastructure will experience strain during the All-Star weekend. Investigate public transportation options, plan for potential traffic congestion, and consider ride-sharing services. Familiarize oneself with designated parking areas and street closures.
Tip 3: Prioritize Event Ticket Purchases. Official ticket sales are often limited, and secondary market prices can be volatile. Register for pre-sale opportunities and consider purchasing ticket packages that offer access to multiple events. Authenticate ticket sources to avoid fraudulent purchases.
Tip 4: Engage with Official NBA Channels. Stay informed about event schedules, venue information, and potential changes by following official NBA communication channels. These channels provide updates on player appearances, promotional events, and public safety announcements.
Tip 5: Budget for Expenses. Attending the All-Star event involves considerable expenses beyond tickets and accommodations. Budget for dining, merchandise, transportation, and potential entertainment costs. Establish a spending limit and track expenditures to avoid overspending.
Tip 6: Network Strategically. The All-Star event provides opportunities for networking with industry professionals and fellow fans. Prepare business cards and engage in professional conversations. Respect boundaries and maintain a professional demeanor.
Tip 7: Be Aware of Security Measures. Expect enhanced security protocols at event venues. Familiarize oneself with prohibited items and adhere to all security personnel instructions. Allow ample time for security checks and screenings.
These tips offer practical guidance for optimizing the 2026 NBA All-Star experience, mitigating potential challenges, and maximizing engagement with the event’s various facets.
The article now concludes with a summary of key findings and predictions.
2026 NBA All-Star
The preceding exploration has detailed critical aspects of the 2026 NBA All-Star event, encompassing host city selection, player eligibility, fan voting influence, Skills Challenge participants, Slam Dunk Contest judges, the Rising Stars game format, coaches selection, television broadcast rights, and economic impact assessment. Each facet contributes to the overall significance and complexity of the mid-season showcase. Analysis reveals the intricate interplay between athletic performance, fan engagement, and economic considerations that shape the event’s character.
The 2026 NBA All-Star event represents a nexus of athletic excellence, entertainment, and economic activity. Continued observation and analysis of its evolution will provide valuable insights into the broader trends shaping professional basketball and its relationship with its audience. Further research into long-term community benefits derived from hosting the event are warranted to maximize its positive impact.
