Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Proposes $1 Million Prize to Attract NBA Stars to All-Star Contests

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is aiming to elevate the excitement of the NBA's All-Star Weekend when the city plays host next year, proposing a significant financial incentive in hopes of drawing more superstar participation to the fan-favorite events. According to reports, Ishbia is advocating for a $1 million prize for the winners of both the Slam Dunk and Three-Point Contests, a move designed to entice marquee names who have often bypassed these competitions in recent years.

The All-Star Weekend, historically a showcase for the league's brightest talents, has seen waning interest from top players in its individual skill competitions. The Dunk Contest, once a battleground for the likes of Michael Jordan and Vince Carter, has more recently featured lesser-known players. The Three-Point Contest, though slightly more star-studded, has also struggled to consistently attract the league’s biggest shooters.

Ishbia's $1 million prize proposal could be a game-changer, introducing a financial reward on par with the NBA's new in-season tournament championship purse. The goal is clear: make participation in these contests as attractive as possible, both for players and for fans eager to see the league's elite compete head-to-head in signature events.

• The Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest have traditionally offered modest prize money and the promise of bragging rights, but not a significant payday.
• Ishbia’s proposed $1 million prize for each contest would dramatically increase the stakes and could reshape the caliber of competitors.
• The move comes as the NBA continues to experiment with ways to boost engagement and viewership during All-Star Weekend, which has faced criticism in recent years for lacking competitive fire and star power.

With Phoenix set to host the league’s showcase next season, Ishbia’s initiative spotlights the city’s ambitions and his own reputation for bold moves since taking over the Suns franchise. The proposal would make the All-Star skill competitions among the most lucrative single-game prizes in professional basketball.

The NBA has not yet formally adopted the prize, but the prospect is already generating buzz around the league and among fans. If successful, the $1 million incentive could set a new standard for future All-Star events, potentially restoring the contests to their former glory by luring the biggest names to center stage.