Dunk Contest 2026: New Field, New Champion Set for All-Star Saturday
The 2026 AT& T Slam Dunk Contest will close out All-Star Saturday on Feb. 14, with a fresh field of participants guaranteeing a new winner after a three-year champ opted out. The four competitors — two rookies and two established leapers — bring a mix of power, creativity and family legacy to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.
Who’s competing
The dunk roster features San Antonio rookie Carter Bryant, L. A. Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes, Miami forward Keshad Johnson and Orlando rookie guard Jase Richardson. Bryant and Richardson are both first-year players; Bryant was selected 14th overall in 2025 and Richardson went 25th. Hayes enters his seventh NBA season, and Johnson is in his second season after time split between the league and the G League.
Format and judges
The contest follows a two-round format. All four players will attempt two dunks in the opening round, with combined scores determining the top two finalists. Each finalist will then attempt two additional dunks; the higher combined total in the final round will crown the champion. A panel of veteran dunkers and former stars will score the attempts, with names such as Brent Barry, Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson and Dominique Wilkins among those scheduled to judge.
Why there will be a new champion
Mac McClung, who had won the event the previous three years, has opted out of this year’s contest, guaranteeing a new titleholder. That absence reshapes expectations: the field lacks a clear favorite and opens the door for a breakout performance from any of the four competitors, particularly the rookies eager to make a national statement on All-Star Saturday.
Storylines to watch
There are several compelling narratives to monitor. Richardson carries a legacy—his father won the event twice in the early 2000s—and at 6-foot-1 he will be the shortest participant. Teammate and former Michigan State roommate Coen Carr has praised Richardson’s arsenal, saying he has seen 360s, windmills and other eye-catching finishes in practice and open gym sessions. Richardson has mixed light surprise with confidence, noting that while his initial social-media reaction was casual, he intends to compete to win: “I’m always going to try to go win something, ” he said.
Bryant and Richardson arriving as rookies adds intrigue; rookie showings in dunk contests often produce inventive ideas and risk-taking. Hayes offers size and rim power that can be paired with theatrical setups, while Johnson brings athleticism and a chance to showcase higher-flying finishes in his second season.
When and where to watch
The AT& T Slam Dunk Contest is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14, and will close out All-Star Saturday. The evening’s slate of competitions begins at 5: 00 p. m. ET, with the dunk contest serving as the finale of the night’s events at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Fans can expect the two-round competition to feature a mix of high-difficulty attempts and showmanship as players try to carve out highlight-reel moments.
What a win would mean
A victory in the 2026 contest would be a career-defining moment for any of the participants. For the rookies, it would amplify early buzz and raise their profiles leaguewide. For Hayes or Johnson, a title would underscore established athletic reputations and add another memorable chapter to All-Star Weekend lore. With judges who have themselves been dunk contest stars and a crowd primed for spectacle, the event figures to deliver dramatic finishes and viral highlights.
Expect creativity, risk and the unexpected: this year’s contest is set up to be one of the most unpredictable editions in recent memory.
