Overview
- Ishbia announced on The Pat McAfee Show that he would fund $1 million for the dunk and 3-point winners, plus $1 million to charity for each event.
- Phoenix is set to host the NBA All-Star Weekend in 2027, which is the target for the proposed incentives.
- League and players’ union officials told ESPN the payouts do not fit the NBA’s existing bonus structure.
- Reporting indicates Ishbia did not consult the league before unveiling the offer and has not filed a formal proposal.
- The pitch aims to draw top talent after years of sparse star participation in the dunk contest, with Blake Griffin the last active All-Star winner in 2011 and recent results including Damian Lillard’s 3-point titles and Keshad Johnson’s dunk crown.