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PHOENIX — Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia wants more star power — and more money — behind the NBA’s All-Star Weekend in 2027.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; The NBA 2027 All-Star Weekend logo is revealed. Mandatory Credit: Phoenix Suns PR
Phoenix will host the midseason classic next year, with all eyes on the Valley as basketball’s best gather for a weekend of friendly competition. However, Ishbia wants to entice players to bring their best and is willing to chip in extra cash in an effort to put the best possible product on the court.
The Suns owner said he is willing to fund a $1 million prize for the winners of the slam dunk and 3-point contests, with an additional $1 million donated to charity for each competition.
“Let’s get the best guys in,” Ishbia said Wednesday on The Pat McAfee Show. “Let’s make it awesome.”
While the proposal is bold and attention-grabbing, it’s more complicated than that.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team USA Stars guard Devin Booker and Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia pose after the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Phoenix Suns PR
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, officials from the league and the players’ union believe the prize would not conform to the NBA’s existing bonus structure. Any change to prize money would require negotiations and adjustments to the CBA governing player compensation.
Ishbia hasn’t formally submitted a request to make his idea a reality, but he has already made it clear he wants the biggest stars on the biggest stage in the desert.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia high fives Team USA Stars guard Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The NBA continues to be a powerhouse among sports leagues, but its midseason exhibition has struggled at times to balance entertainment with competition. The proposal is designed not only to entice stars to participate, but also to guarantee a meaningful charitable impact.
By putting his own money on the table to ensure the best product possible, Ishbia is challenging the league to reconsider how it markets one of its biggest events — and whether the stars are ready to follow if the plan is approved.