Enhancing the NBA All-Star Weekend
As the NBA All-Star Weekend approaches, discussions surrounding the enhancement of various events, especially the dunk contest, have gained momentum. Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has publicly advocated for the inclusion of some of the league’s top talent in the 3-point shootout, specifically calling for the participation of fellow sharpshooters such as Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, his former teammate Klay Thompson of the Dallas Mavericks, and Devin Booker from the Phoenix Suns in the 2027 competition.
Ambitious Proposals from Suns Owner
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has joined the conversation with ambitious proposals to elevate the weekend’s excitement. In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Ishbia expressed his willingness to financially incentivize participation in the dunk and 3-point contests by offering a staggering $1 million each to the winners in 2027. He emphasized the importance of attracting top-tier players to ensure the event’s success.
Ishbia’s commitment was met with an intriguing suggestion from McAfee, who proposed that the amount could double — with one million directed to each winner and an additional million pledged to a local charity of their choosing. The Suns owner enthusiastically accepted, stating, “We’re hosting the All-Star Game in Phoenix next year… We’re gonna make it an amazing event.”
Improving the Overall Experience
The conversation quickly shifted towards ways to enhance the overall experience of All-Star Weekend. While acknowledging his inability to influence the structure of the exhibition game itself, Ishbia expressed his eagerness to contribute ideas that could attract notable names and improve the fan experience. He assured McAfee that he was committed to making the event spectacular.
Legal Implications and Future Considerations
Despite Ishbia’s enthusiasm, there are legal implications to consider. According to sources from ESPN, the NBA’s current regulations would not permit such financially motivated inducements, as they do not align with the established bonus structure for players. Furthermore, it was reported that Ishbia had not consulted with the league office prior to his offers. Nevertheless, Ishbia is determined to explore avenues to draw more star players into the competitions, as excitement builds for the upcoming All-Star Weekend.
