Suns Owner Mat Ishbia Offers $1 Million Prize to Boost All-Star Weekend
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is taking a bold step to elevate the NBA All-Star Weekend, proposing a $1 million prize for the winners of both the dunk contest and the three-point contest in 2027. The initiative, announced on The Pat McAfee Show
, aims to entice the league’s biggest stars to participate in the annual showcase.
Attracting Top Talent to Phoenix
Ishbia’s offer extends beyond just the winner’s prize. He too pledged an additional $1 million donation to a charity of the winner’s choice for each contest. “Let’s get the best guys in it,” Ishbia said. “Let’s make it awesome.”
The move comes as the NBA looks to revitalize the All-Star Weekend events, particularly the dunk contest, which has struggled to attract high-profile participants in recent years.
Potential Roadblocks with the League
However, Ishbia’s proposal faces potential hurdles. NBA officials and the players’ union have indicated that the proposed bonus system may not align with the league’s existing structure. Ishbia admitted he did not consult with the league office before making the offer, but remains committed to finding a solution.
Recent All-Star Contest Winners
The last time an All-Star player won the dunk contest was in 2011, when Blake Griffin achieved the feat. This year’s dunk contest winner was Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat. Damian Lillard secured his third three-point contest title in four years in 2026.
“Done,” Ishbia responded when Pat McAfee suggested adding an additional $1 million donation to a charity of the winner’s choice.
The Pat McAfee Show
Ishbia’s Vision for the Future
Ishbia expressed his desire to have a significant role in shaping the All-Star Weekend experience. “I have a say in ‘how do we get great players in it? How do we make it a great event? How to make (the) fan experience phenomenal?’ We’re gonna make it an amazing event,” he stated.
FAQ
- What is Mat Ishbia offering? A $1 million prize and a $1 million charitable donation to the winners of the 2027 dunk and three-point contests.
- Has the NBA approved this offer? Not yet. League officials have indicated potential conflicts with the current bonus structure.
- When will Phoenix host the All-Star Weekend? 2027.
Ishbia’s initiative demonstrates a clear commitment to enhancing the NBA All-Star Weekend and attracting the league’s top players to Phoenix in 2027. While challenges remain, his willingness to invest significantly in the event signals a desire to create a truly memorable experience for fans.
What do you think? Will Ishbia’s offer be enough to attract the NBA’s biggest stars to the All-Star Weekend contests? Share your thoughts in the comments below!