The NBA is giving its most iconic All-Star showcase a fresh identity in 2026. With new names, new energy, and a notable absence, the Slam Dunk Contest is set to deliver a different kind of spectacle in Los Angeles.
Who Is Competing in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest?
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2026 will feature four first-time participants:
- Jaxson Hayes – Los Angeles Lakers center
- Carter Bryant – San Antonio Spurs rookie
- Keshad Johnson – Miami Heat forward
- Jase Richardson – Orlando Magic rookie
Jase Richardson adds a legacy storyline to the event, following in the footsteps of his father, two-time dunk champion Jason Richardson.
When and Where Will the Contest Take Place?
The contest will be held on February 14 during NBA All-Star Weekend at the home of the LA Clippers in Los Angeles.
What Is the Format of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest?
The NBA is sticking with the traditional two-round format:
- Opening Round – All four players perform, with judges scoring each dunk
- Final Round – The top two scorers advance and compete for the title
This classic structure keeps the focus squarely on creativity, athleticism, and execution.
Why Is Jaxson Hayes a Key Headliner?
At 7 feet tall and now in his seventh NBA season, Jaxson Hayes brings size, experience, and intrigue. Currently in his third season with the Lakers, Hayes enters the contest shortly after serving a one-game suspension earlier this month following an incident involving a Wizards mascot.
Now, the spotlight shifts from controversy to competition, as Hayes looks to make a statement with his athletic ability on one of the NBA’s biggest stages.
Why Is Mac McClung Not Participating?
Chicago guard Mac McClung, who won the Slam Dunk Contest three consecutive times, will not defend his title in 2026.
Instead, McClung will participate in the Rising Stars game, where he replaces the injured David Jones Garcia. His absence guarantees a new dunk champion this year.
What Other Events Are Returning for NBA All-Star Weekend?
The NBA also confirmed the return of the Shooting Stars competition, marking its first appearance since 2015.
How Does the Shooting Stars Format Work?
Each team will include:
- Two active NBA players
- One retired NBA legend
Teams will be led by notable figures such as:
- Jalen Brunson
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Scottie Barnes
- Ron Harper Sr.
The format blends current stars with NBA history, adding variety to All-Star festivities.
Why This Slam Dunk Contest Matters for the NBA
With no returning champion and a lineup full of newcomers, the NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2026 represents a reset—one that emphasizes discovery, unpredictability, and fresh narratives.
Los Angeles sets the stage, new faces take flight, and the NBA prepares to crown a brand-new dunk king.
✅ FAQ Block
Who is participating in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest?
The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest features Jaxson Hayes, Carter Bryant, Keshad Johnson, and Jase Richardson as first-time participants.
When will the NBA Slam Dunk Contest 2026 take place?
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest will take place on February 14 during NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
Where is the NBA Slam Dunk Contest being held?
The contest will be held at the home arena of the LA Clippers in Los Angeles.
What format is used for the NBA Slam Dunk Contest?
The NBA uses a two-round format where all four players compete in the opening round, and the top two scorers advance to the final round.
Why is Mac McClung not competing in the Slam Dunk Contest?
Mac McClung will not compete because he is participating in the Rising Stars game as a replacement for the injured David Jones Garcia.
Is the NBA Shooting Stars competition returning in 2026?
Yes, the NBA Shooting Stars competition is returning for the first time since 2015.
T20 World Cup 2026: Groups, Schedule, Venues, Teams & Complete Tournament Guide
February 7, 2026
The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be one of the most talked-about editions of the tournament, featuring 20 international teams and hosted across two cricket-loving nations — India and Sri Lanka. With political uncertainty, debutant teams, and high-stakes group clashes, the upcoming event already carries major global attention. Here’s a complete, structured breakdown of everything you need to
Harshit Rana Ruled Out of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Due to Knee Injury; Mohammed Siraj Named Replacement
February 7, 2026
India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has suffered an early setback with Harshit Rana being officially ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. The decision was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) less than 24 hours before India’s opening match against the USA. Rana’s absence comes at a crucial moment, as the
Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out of T20 World Cup as Australia’s ‘Big Three’ Era Ends After 15 Years
February 6, 2026
Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign has suffered a major setback with Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out of the tournament, bringing an end to a 15-year era defined by the nation’s iconic fast-bowling trio. The 35-year-old pacer has not played competitive cricket since sustaining a hamstring injury during a Sheffield Shield match in November, and selectors have now confirmed that the
Major Setback for Australia as Josh Hazlewood Is Ruled Out of 2026 T20 World Cup
February 6, 2026
Australia have suffered a major blow ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with Josh Hazlewood officially ruled out of the tournament due to a lingering hamstring injury. Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed that the experienced fast bowler has run out of time to regain full match fitness, forcing the selectors to make a tough call just days before
Real Madrid Enter “Villain Mode” Under Pintus As Hypoxia Masks Return To Training
February 6, 2026
Real Madrid have wasted no time setting the tone after returning to Valdebebas. Following a two-day break, the squad resumed training on Wednesday — and the message was loud and clear. Antonio Pintus is back in full control of physical preparation. And with him comes his most talked-about weapon: the hypoxia mask. Images from the session instantly sparked reactions among
Nikola Jokic Breaks NBA Records Effortlessly With Historic Triple-Double
February 6, 2026
Nikola Jokic continues to rewrite NBA history in a way that feels almost accidental. On Wednesday night, the Denver Nuggets superstar recorded the 181st triple-double of his career, officially matching Oscar Robertson for second place on the NBA’s all-time list. Only Russell Westbrook, with 207, now stands ahead of him. What makes this moment remarkable isn’t just the number —
EFL Stands Firm as Marc Guehi Ruled Out of Carabao Cup Final vs Arsenal
February 6, 2026
The EFL has taken a firm stance ahead of the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, decisively rejecting Manchester City’s request to make Marc Guehi eligible for the clash against Arsenal. Despite strong backing from Pep Guardiola, the league showed no flexibility, confirming that the defender will not be allowed to feature in the final. The decision brings an end to
Top 10 Players To Watch At The T20 World Cup 2026
February 6, 2026
As the T20 World Cup 2026 edges closer, excitement is building around a tournament that promises drama, momentum swings, and individual brilliance. With matches set across India and Sri Lanka, the competition will test teams across contrasting conditions — batting-friendly Indian surfaces and spin-heavy Sri Lankan tracks. In T20 cricket, championships are often decided by moments, and moments are shaped
‘Humne Mana Nahi Kiya’: Suryakumar Yadav Clears Air On India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Controversy
February 6, 2026
Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I captain, has firmly stated that the Indian team never refused to play Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup, clarifying that the decision to step away from the marquee clash came from the other side. Amid growing speculation around the high-voltage India-Pakistan encounter, Suryakumar confirmed that India’s travel plans for the match are already in place,
Mercedes at the Center of F1’s Hottest 2026 Engine Debate
February 6, 2026
Mercedes may not be shouting from the rooftops, but inside the Formula 1 paddock, its name is being whispered with equal parts admiration and frustration. As the sport edges closer to the 2026 regulation reset, a seemingly dry technical detail has sparked a fresh political storm — and Mercedes is right at the heart of it. This time, it’s not