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Mat Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns, aims to elevate All-Star Weekend by offering a $1 million prize for the winners of the 2027 slam dunk and 3-point contests. He announces this bold initiative on “The Pat McAfee Show,” urging more star players to participate. Ishbia also pledges an additional $1 million to charity for each event.
However, this plan faces challenges. NBA officials and the players' union indicate the prize conflicts with existing bonus structures. Ishbia did not seek league approval before making the offer, but he remains determined to attract top talent.
The last current All-Star to win the dunk contest was Blake Griffin in 2011, while Keshad Johnson from the Miami Heat took the title this year. Damian Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, recently secured his third 3-point contest win in four years.
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