NBA Stars Eye 2026 Dunk Contest Participation

The 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest saw Mac McClung win his third consecutive title, but the overall excitement of the All-Star weekend events has waned, prompting discussions on how to revive their appeal. Notably, stars like Ja Morant, Zach LaVine, and Aaron Gordon have shown interest in participating in the 2026 contest in Los Angeles, which could rejuvenate the event. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo suggested further changes to the All-Star Game format, including hosting it internationally, to reflect the NBA's global reach. Additionally, Bucks player Andre Jackson Jr. secured an Adidas shoe deal ahead of the Dunk Contest, highlighting individual player brand engagements. Despite these individual efforts, the league is encouraged to consider more significant changes to sustain player and fan interest in future All-Star events.