Much of the talk around NBA All-Star Weekend was about how to improve certain events, particularly the dunk contest.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard threw his bid in to improve the 3-point shootout by lobbying for Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, his Splash Brother and former teammate, Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson, and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker to compete in 2027.
The latest man to attempt to improve the NBA’s premier weekend is Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, who is ready to put some money up for All-Stars to compete in the highly-anticipated annual All-Star competitions.
Ishbia even said on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on Wednesday, Feb. 25, that he is willing to offer $1 million to the 2027 NBA dunk contest and 3-point contest winners.
He said he wants ‘to get the best guys’ to participate during next year’s All-Star Weekend, which will be held in Phoenix.
McAfee proposed that Ishbia put up $2 million, one for the winner and another one for a local charity.
‘Done,’ Ishbia responded.
Ishbia told McAfee that he will have a say in how to improve All-Star Weekend.
‘Not the actual game part of it, like how they do East versus West, or World versus U.S., but I have a say in ‘how do we get great players in it?’ Ishbia said. ‘How do we make it a great event? How to make (the) fan experience phenomenal? We’re gonna make it an amazing event.’
McAfee challenged Ishbia to share the details, asking him to announce what he’s planning for the dunk contest, and offered a proposal. Ishbia was all ears.
‘You’re gonna put a million dollars up for the winner and then a million dollar donation to a charity,’ McAfee said.
Ishbia quickly responded in excitement, ‘done’ and added, ‘Let’s get the best guys in it. Let’s make it awesome.’
Will the NBA allow Mat Ishbia to pay players?
The idea proposed by McAfee and verbally agreed upon by Ishbia is illegal by NBA rules and regulations, according to ESPN.
Officials from the NBA league office and players’ union told ESPN that Ishbia’s generous donations would not ‘conform with the existing bonus structure.’
Additionally, Ishbia did not consult the league office before making the offer, according to ESPN.
Ishbia remains motivated to find a way to get more stars into the events.