Jackson Hayes, Carter Bryant among the players who will participate in the dunk contest

The NBA has announced a full field for the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest as All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles is upon us.

As it is NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 approaching next week’s festivities, which run from Friday, Feb. 13 through Sunday night at the Intuit Dome, the league has revealed the players who will compete in this year’s slam dunk contest. The event will take place on Saturday night at 5pm ET at the Los Angeles Clippers’ new arena in Inglewood, California.

The NBA PR account was launched on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday Los Angeles Lakers center Jackson Hayes, San Antonio Spurs rookie forward Carter Bryant, Orlando Magic rookie running back Jace Richardson, and Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson will participate in the contest.

Hayes enters the contest as one of the most physically gifted players in the league. The veteran center is known for his leaping ability and power above the rim, traits that have shown up consistently in games throughout his career.

The field is set for the AT&T Slam Dunk ⬇

A new champion will be crowned and all four players will make their debut in the competition.

Saturday, February 14 | 5 PM ET
NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/KZ3TN9LrzA

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 7, 2026

Jackson Hayes, Carter Bryant lead the slam dunk contest in search of a new champion

Bryant and Richardson lead the rookie contingent. Bryant, San Antonio’s first-year forward, has shown an athletic edge early in his NBA career, while Richardson has emerged as an explosive guard option for Orlando. Johnson rounds out the field after showing off his vertical athleticism and creativity with Miami.

The 2026 contest follows a historic performance a year ago, when they guarded the Chicago Bulls Mac McClung won his third straight slam dunk contest title. McClung became the first player in NBA history to win the tournament three times, further raising expectations for future contests.

With a new venue, a new group of participants and increased attention following McClung’s unprecedented triple, the NBA will look to continue building momentum around one of the All-Star Weekend events. The slam dunk contest will be part of a packed schedule Saturday night as the league celebrates its annual midseason exhibition in Los Angeles.