2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest: Event Details, Participants & Rules Unveiled
The NBA has officially announced the participants and format for the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk contest, a highlight of NBA All-Star Saturday.
Scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, the highly anticipated event will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Basketball fans can catch the action live on NBC and Peacock, with coverage beginning at 5 p.m. ET. The Slam Dunk contest is set to be the third event of NBA All-Star Saturday.
Meet the Dunkers: Four Debutants Set to Soar
For the first time, all four players named for the competition will be making their debut in the event, bringing fresh talent to the spotlight.
The exciting lineup features a mix of rising stars and established talent, all eager to make their mark:
- Carter Bryant (San Antonio Spurs): A 6-foot-6 forward, Bryant was drafted 14th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
- Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers): Standing at 7-foot, the center is in his seventh NBA season and third with the Lakers.
- Keshad Johnson (Miami Heat): A 6-foot-6 forward, Johnson is currently in his second NBA season.
- Jase Richardson (Orlando Magic): The 6-foot-1 guard was drafted 25th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. He also carries a notable lineage, as the son of two-time AT&T Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson.
Competition Format: Two Rounds to Crown a Champion
The 2026 contest will feature a traditional two-round structure, designed to showcase the best dunkers and build excitement towards the final.
First Round
All four participants will be given the opportunity to attempt two dunks. Following these attempts, the two players with the highest combined scores from their two dunks will successfully advance to the final round.
Final Round
Each of the two finalists will perform two additional dunks. The individual who achieves the higher combined score from these two final dunks will be declared the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk champion.