Techniques for dynamically selecting subframe formats in a wireless network are described. In an aspect, a base station may dynamically switch between different subframe formats to support communication for different types of user equipments (UEs). In one design, the base station may declare a set of subframes as multicast/broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) subframes for first/legacy UEs. The base station may send signaling conveying the set of subframes as MBSFN subframes to the legacy UEs. The base station may dynamically select the formats of the set of subframes for second/new UEs, e.g., on a per subframe basis. The format of each subframe may be selected from a plurality of formats, which may include at least one regular subframe format, at least one MBSFN subframe format, and/or at least one blank subframe format. The base station may send transmissions in the set of subframes based on the selected formats.