Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Offers $1 Million Prize for 2027 All-Star Contest Winners
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has announced a significant incentive to attract top talent to the 2027 NBA All-Star Weekend, which will be held in Phoenix. Ishbia pledged to award $1 million to the winners of both the Slam Dunk Contest and the Three-Point Contest, with an additional $1 million donation to the winner’s charity of choice.
Boosting All-Star Weekend Participation
Ishbia revealed his plan on the Pat McAfee Show, expressing his desire to see the league’s biggest stars participate in the All-Star Weekend festivities. “Let’s secure the best guys in,” Ishbia said. “Let’s develop it awesome.” HoopsHype reported on the announcement.
Potential Challenges to the Proposal
While the offer has generated excitement, it faces potential hurdles. According to CBS Sports, NBA league officials and the players’ union have indicated that adding prize money may not align with the current bonus structure. Ishbia has not yet consulted with the league office regarding the proposal.
Historical Participation Trends
The Three-Point Contest has generally attracted strong participation from established stars, with recent winners including Damian Lillard, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson. However, the Slam Dunk Contest has seen a trend of lesser-known players taking the crown, with Keshad Johnson winning the 2026 contest. CBS Sports highlighted this disparity, noting that the last time an All-Star won the dunk contest in the same year was Blake Griffin in 2011.
Financial Details
The total financial commitment from Ishbia is $2 million per contest – $1 million to the winner and $1 million to the charity of their choice. ABC15 initially reported on the pledge.
Looking Ahead
The 2027 NBA All-Star Game and related events will be held at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. Ishbia’s initiative aims to elevate the All-Star Weekend and create a more compelling spectacle for fans. The success of this plan will depend on navigating the league’s existing rules and convincing top players to participate.