Do NBA players get paid for playing in the All-Star Game?

In recent years, the NBA has tried to increase the competitiveness of its All-Star Game by increasing the prize money on offer. Of course, relative to what players make from the base salaries alone, the amount is a drop in the ocean. Some would argue however, that it has made a difference.

Does prize money make the All-Star Game more competitive?

All-Star games in general, regardless of the sport, share one common problem - those taking part tend to be much less competitive, or at best less interested. Of course, it’s hard to place the blame on the players, when you consider what’s on the line. A top athlete is paid a salary for what they do for their team, not for the benefit of the league. Being selected to play in what is essentially a fan-pleasing exhibition is, of course, a great honor. But a ripped hamstring or a ruptured ligament could see your season end, possibly placing your contract in jeopardy in a game that has no real relevance or bearing on the season.

The NBA’s solution to this problem has been the introduction of a purse. Last year each player on the winning team received $125,000 while the runners up took home $50,000 per player. In 2025, four teams competed so the players on the third and fourth place teams received $25,000.

“For me, it’s an All-Star Game, so I don’t think I will ever look at it like being super competitive,” Anthony Edwards said in 2024. “It’s always fun. I don’t know what they can do to make it more competitive. It’s a break. I don’t think nobody wants to come here and compete.”

The winner of the Slam Dunk contest took home $105,000 and the runner-up received $50,000. The 3-point contest winner took home $50,000, second place got $35,000 and third place $25,000 with $10,000 going to the next three finishers.

Players play for money, but as Anthony Edwards explains above, most participate in the NBA All-Star events to have fun and increase their own caché.

It’s understandable that nobody wants to get hurt and that they’re not going to go all out, but they still want to put a show on for the fans and the audience knows what to expect.

The NBA All-Star Game isn’t just about how much money the players can make - much of the focus in on charity. This year, the league is joining up with Bay Area volunteers to refurbish two elementary schools as well as participating in a food bank.

The NBA will also launch a new holistic health platform called NBA Total Health to help raise awareness to the importance of physical, mental and community health.

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