Pat McAfee talks Matt Ishby into putting up $2 million for a dunk contest
The The NBA slam dunk contest is falling in popularityas the most famous players refuse to compete. Not only are the most recognizable names stretched, even the best dunkers don’t see the point in putting themselves there because of the recognition of being the league’s dunking king. The prestige that the competition once had simply no longer exists. But Phoenix Suns the owner Matt Ishbia he might be on his way to do something to try to change the minds of the players.
In appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, the Suns owner pledged $2 million to try to revive the dunk contest.
“I have a say in how we get great players in. How we make it a great event. How we make the fan experience phenomenal. We’re going to make it an amazing event,” Ishbia said. “Let’s do it. We can do it. Tell me what we’re doing?”
“You’ll put up $1 million for the winner. And then a $1 million donation to a charity of their choice,” McAfee said.
“Done. Let’s get the best guys in there. Let’s make it great,” Ishbia replied.
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Suns owner Matt Ishby has one last shot at reviving the NBA’s slam dunk contest
The 2026 NBA Dunk Contest is considered by many to be one of the worst of all time. Jackson Hayes had a warm-up dunk in real competition. Jace Richardson risked his life. Carter Bryant tried, but he just couldn’t knock out Keshad Johnson and his unusual dance moves.
Having a cash incentive has certainly worked wonders in the past, although it’s not entirely clear if this would lead to the top players competing in the competition once again as they already have millions and millions in their bank account and wouldn’t be too motivated to try anyway.
2026-02-26 07:19:00
