Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is hoping that a little financial incentive will be enough to entice some of the NBA's biggest stars into taking part at next year's All-Star Saturday in the desert.
Ishbia is offering $1 million to the winners of both the 2027 Slam Dunk and Three-Point Contests, with an additional $1-million donation going to a charity of each player's choice.
"Let's get the best guys in it," Ishbia said Wednesday on "The Pat McAfee Show." "Let's make it awesome."
However, Ishbia didn't consult the league office prior to announcing his proposal, sources told ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
Officials from the NBA and its players' union also told Windhorst that Ishbia's cash reward wouldn't conform with the existing bonus structure.
The Slam Dunk contest has lacked star power in recent years despite many notable names teasing an appearance in the marquee event of All-Star Weekend.
Blake Griffin's triumph in 2011 was the last time a current All-Star captured the dunk crown. John Wall was part of the 2014 dunk contest that saw a tweak to the format as part of the Eastern Conference team.
