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 inspire competitiveness in the All-Star Game?

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. Since 2018, each player on the winning team will receive $100,000 while the runners up will take home $25,000 per player. The NBA is confident that the $75,000 gap will ensure that the players will truly compete for the trophy and to be fair, the gamble has paid off as evidenced by the comments of some players. “That’ll certainly make it more interesting,” admitted Kyrie Irving. “That’s a huge difference.” There was also Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson who echoed the statement saying, “I think it will help, for sure. That’s a lot of money.” Even his teammate Steph Curry weighed in on the situation as he spoke to the players’ mentality. “That’s significant. For some players, they just want to see [the game] being worth their time.”

Players who take part in the skills competitions also receive financial compensation - for example, the winner of the Slam Dunk contest will take home $105,000 with $60,000 going to the winner of the Three-Point Shootout.

The NBA has a firm grasp on the idea that players play for money. Not the love of the game. Not honor. Not respect. Not pride. Money. The very concept of “one-and-done” was birthed by the NBA and for all of the purists decrying the ever-escalating player fees, it is an idea that was a long time coming. The fact that this model is being explored by other sports should tell you that perhaps the NBA had it right. After all, these players are giving everything, their youth, their health, their lives, to this game. The league is awash with cash and it is only fitting that the gladiators who entertain us should have some of it.

Hopefully, with a $75,000 prize gap, the fans will see their favorite players from around the league giving a fighting effort toward ensuring that they wind up on the winning side. After all, who wants to be runner up if it means losing that much cash?

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 two local Indiana-serving organizations to serve as charity beneficiaries for the 73rd All-Star Game on Sunday 18 February 2024.  Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis will represent the West All-Stars and Special Olympics Indiana will represent the East All-Stars. Each organization will begin with a starting donation of $100,000 with the opportunity to raise an additional $240,000 to the organization whose team wins the All-Star Game. As part of the NBA Cares State Farm Assist Tracker Program, an additional $1,900 will be raised for each assist during the game that will be split between both organizations.