The NBA’s slam-dunk contest is hardly a headliner anymore, so Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has a solution: money.
Ishbia said Wednesday he’s offering a $1 million prize for players who win the dunk and three-point contests.
“Let’s get the best guys in,” he said on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “Let’s make it awesome.”
The next NBA dunk contest will take place in Phoenix on Feb. 20, 2027, as part of the league’s All-Star festivities. The high-flying competition has long headlined the NBA’s All-Star Saturday night, a prelude to the All-Star Game itself the next day.
It’s unclear if the NBA’s current prize and bonus structure would allow for the added cash. Ishbia said he’d also add $2 million in charity donations.
The NBA’s dunk contest has become a topic of ridicule over the past decade. Fewer and fewer big names chose to participate, with the dunkers now consisting of G Leaguers and developing players who spend most games on the bench.
An active All-Star hasn’t joined the dunk contest since Blake Griffin in 2011.
That could change.
“I’ll be in the dunk contest one day,” San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama said on Saturday night.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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