NBA All-Star Weekend 2026: Slam Dunk Contest Lineup Revealed

Exciting new faces to compete in the annual dunk showcase

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend is just around the corner, and the highly anticipated Slam Dunk Contest lineup has been announced. This year's participants include Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs, Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat, Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic, and Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers. The dunk contest will be the grand finale of the NBA All-Star Saturday Night festivities, which will also feature the 3-Point Contest and Shooting Stars competition.

Why it matters

The Slam Dunk Contest is always a highlight of the NBA All-Star Weekend, showcasing the league's most electrifying athletes and their gravity-defying dunks. With the departure of three-time champion Mac McClung, this year's competition is wide open, setting the stage for a new dunk king to be crowned.

The details

The 2026 Slam Dunk Contest will take place on Saturday, February 14, as part of the NBA All-Star Saturday Night broadcast. The four participants will be Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs, Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat, Jase Richardson of the Orlando Magic, and Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers. The event will be the final competition of the night, following the 3-Point Contest and Shooting Stars competition.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend will take place from February 13-15.
  • The Slam Dunk Contest is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, at 5 p.m. ET.
  • The NBA All-Star Game will be held on Sunday, February 15, with the first game starting at 5 p.m. ET.

The players

Carter Bryant

A forward for the San Antonio Spurs, Bryant will be making his first appearance in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Keshad Johnson

A forward for the Miami Heat, Johnson is known for his athleticism and high-flying dunks.

Jase Richardson

A guard for the Orlando Magic, Richardson is a rising star in the league and will look to make a name for himself in the dunk contest.

Jaxson Hayes

A center for the Los Angeles Lakers, Hayes is a powerful dunker who will look to showcase his skills on the All-Star stage.

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What they’re saying

“The Slam Dunk Contest is always the highlight of All-Star Weekend for me. I can't wait to see what these young guys bring to the table and who will come out on top.”

— Vince Carter, NBA Legend (ESPN)

“This is my first time in the Slam Dunk Contest, and I'm just excited to go out there and put on a show for the fans. Anything can happen, and I'm ready to compete.”

— Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic Guard (NBA.com)

What’s next

Fans will have to tune in on Saturday, February 14, to see which player will be crowned the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion.

The takeaway

The 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest promises to be an exciting event, with a new crop of talented players looking to make their mark on the league's premier in-game dunk showcase. The competition is sure to be fierce as these young stars aim to follow in the footsteps of past dunk contest legends.