Suns owner offers $1 million incentive for All-Star dunk, 3-point winners
ishbia-1-million-all-star-dunk-three-point
PHOENIX — Suns governor Mat Ishbia says he will personally fund a $1 million payout to the champions of next year’s NBA All-Star Weekend slam dunk and three-point contests, with an additional $1 million from him earmarked for charity in each event.
Ishbia revealed the proposal Wednesday during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” declaring his goal is to attract the league’s marquee names when Phoenix hosts the 2027 midseason showcase. “Let’s get the best guys in,” he said. “Let’s make it awesome.”
The idea faces immediate hurdles. Representatives from the NBA league office and the National Basketball Players Association told ESPN the offer does not align with the league’s current bonus framework. Sources said Ishbia did not clear the plan with league officials before going public but remains intent on finding a workable solution.
Star participation in the dunk contest has dwindled for more than a decade; the last active All-Star to capture the crown was Blake Griffin in 2011. This year’s title in Los Angeles went to Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson. On the perimeter, nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard claimed his third three-point contest victory in four seasons.
Source: ESPN
