2026 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest: Format, participants and how to watch and stream online
In the last of three All-Star Saturday events, a quarter of Slam Dunk Contest debutants will vie to inherit Mac McClung’s crown.
A first-time winner will emerge from Saturday’s Slam Dunk Contest, ending Mac McClung’s three-year reign as the event’s champion.
“Not going to be 4 in a row”
McClung’s father, Marcus McClung, confirmed last month that the guard has opted against defending a title he has held since 2023. “Not going to be 4 in a row,” McClung Sr. told ESPN in a text message. “Not one reason that I could say that was the main reason. In my opinion it is more like a bunch of reasons that just pointed to him not doing it.”
In McClung’s absence, four contest debutants will compete to become the NBA’s new ‘dunk king’ at Intuit Dome this weekend.
Who’s taking part in the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest?
- Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs
- Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles Lakers
- Keshad Johnson, Miami Heat
- Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic
How will the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest work?
The contest will take place over two rounds. In the first round, all four players will attempt two slam dunks each, receiving a score of between 40 and 50 for each effort. After two dunks apeice, the two contestants with the highest aggregate score will progress to the final.
In the deciding round, the finalists will each get two more dunk attempts, which will again be given a score of between 40 and 50. The player with the higher final-round composite total wins the Slam Dunk Contest.
Who’s on the Slam Dunk Contest jury?
Four former champions will be judging this year’s contest. Three-time winner Nate Robinson will be joined by two-time victor Dominique Wilkins, while Brent Barry and Dwight Howard, who won the event in 1996 and 2008, respectively, have also been named on the panel.
NBA fans will play a role in crowning the slam-dunk champion, too: if you’re registered to the league’s free “NBA ID” rewards program, you can go online to submit a score of between 40 and 50 after each dunk. Fan voting will take place here.
For each slam dunk, the average fan score will count as one points total. Robinson, Wilkins, Barry and Howard will also each submit a grade of between 40 and 50. The average of these five totals will be the score given to that dunk.
You can check out the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest rules in greater detail in this explainer published by the NBA.
2026 Slam Dunk Contest: when, how to watch
The Slam Dunk Contest will be the last of three All-Star Saturday events on Feb. 14; the day’s action is scheduled to get underway at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT.
Before Bryant, Hayes, Johnson and Richardson take to the court, Intuit Dome will witness the 3-Point Contest - with eight players vying to succeed 2025 winner Tyler Herro - and the return of the Shooting Stars competition.
Following All-Star Saturday, the Los Angeles arena will host the weekend’s headline act on Sunday, Feb. 15, when the NBA’s elite players take part in a revamped All-Star Game event.
In a new, U.S. vs world format, 2026’s All-Star will see three teams - two featuring American players, one comprising international performers - compete in a round-robin tournament involving four 12-minute games. Play begins at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT.
Viewers in the U.S. can watch the All-Star weekend on NBC and Peacock. You can also stream the action on fubo, which offers new users a free trial.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.