Players are awarded roster spots through a combination of fan voting and selections by the appointed manager and league commissioner.

The European league schedule runs from fall to spring, allowing for a fixture against the MLS All-Stars during the preseasons of teams.

Some players, including English midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in 2015, have been picked to participate in the All-Star Game despite not playing in club matches.

[7] Players who are picked to play in the All-Star Game but refuse to join the team are suspended from one league match.

[10] The older version of the skills challenge was retired in 2001 and featured other events, including "goalie wars" and soccer tennis.

The match and associated events are broadcast in English, French, and Spanish on MLS Season Pass;[19] the 2023 edition was made free to stream.