The excitement that once surrounded the Slam Dunk Contest has faded, and while history could be made Saturday night, you likely won’t hear anyone talking up this year’s event.
Mac McClung is the two-time defending Slam Dunk Contest champion and will be looking to tie three-time champion Nate Robinson for the most dunk contest wins ever.
He will be joined by Bucks forward Andrew Jackson Jr, Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis and Spurs rookie Stephon Castle.
How much money is on the line? Here’s a look at what the Slam Dunk Contest winner will make on Saturday.
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NBA Slam Dunk Contest prize money
The NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) calls for $100,000 to be awarded to the Slam Dunk Contest winner. Second place takes home $50,000, and the other two contestants receive $25,000.
While $100,000 may be a drop in the bucket compared to the earnings of the league’s top players, it can be significant for certain participants.
Jackson Jr. is making under $1.9 million this season with the Bucks, while Castle and Buzelis — both lottery picks — are in the first year of rookie contracts. The Spurs rookie makes $9.1 million while Chicago’s top pick is just over $5.1 million.
McClung, who has primarily played in the G League, is on a two-way contract with the Orlando Magic, making the prize a substantial addition to his income.
NBA All-Star Saturday Night prize breakdown
The Slam Dunk Contest prize is easily the largest of the three All-Star Saturday Night events.
| Event | Prize |
| Slam Dunk Contest | $100,000 |
| 3-Point Contest | $50,000 |
| Skills Challenge | $50,000 (team) |
NBA Slam Dunk Contest winners
| Year | Winner | Team | Location |
| 2024 | Mac McClung | Osceola Magic | Indianapolis |
| 2023 | Mac McClung | Philadelphia 76ers | Salt Lake City |
| 2022 | Obi Toppin | New York Knicks | Cleveland |
| 2021 | Anfernee Simons | Portland Trail Blazers | Atlanta |
| 2020 | Derrick Jones Jr. | Miami Heat | Chicago |
| 2019 | Hamidou Diallo | Oklahoma City Thunder | Charlotte |
| 2018 | Donovan Mitchell | Utah Jazz | Los Angeles |
| 2017 | Glenn Robinson III | Indiana Pacers | New Orleans |
| 2016 | Zach LaVine | Minnesota Timberwolves | Toronto |
| 2015 | Zach LaVine | Minnesota Timberwolves | New York City |
| 2014 | John Wall | Washington Wizards | New Orleans |
| 2013 | Terrence Ross | Toronto Raptors | Houston |
| 2012 | Jeremy Evans | Utah Jazz | Orlando |
| 2011 | Blake Griffin | LA Clippers | Los Angeles |
| 2010 | Nate Robinson | New York Knicks | Dallas |
| 2009 | Nate Robinson | New York Knicks | Phoenix |
| 2008 | Dwight Howard | Orlando Magic | New Orleans |
| 2007 | Gerald Green | Boston Celtics | Las Vegas |
| 2006 | Nate Robinson | New York Knicks | Houston |
| 2005 | Josh Smith | Atlanta Hawks | Denver |
| 2004 | Fred Jones | Indiana Pacers | Los Angeles |
| 2003 | Jason Richardson | Golden State Warriors | Atlanta |
| 2002 | Jason Richardson | Golden State Warriors | Philadelphia |
| 2001 | Desmond Mason | Seattle SuperSonics | Washington, D.C. |
| 2000 | Vince Carter | Toronto Raptors | Oakland |
| 1997 | Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers | Cleveland |
| 1996 | Brent Barry | LA Clippers | San Antonio |
| 1995 | Harold Miner | Miami Heat | Phoenix |
| 1994 | Isiah Rider | Minnesota Timberwolves | Minnesota |
| 1993 | Harold Miner | Miami Heat | Salt Lake City |
| 1992 | Cedric Ceballos | Phoenix Suns | Orlando |
| 1991 | Dee Brown | Boston Celtics | Charlotte |
| 1990 | Dominique Wilkins | Atlanta Hawks | Miami |
| 1989 | Kenny Walker | New York Knicks | Houston |
| 1988 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls | Chicago |
| 1987 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls | Seattle |
| 1986 | Spud Webb | Atlanta Hawks | Dallas |
| 1985 | Dominique Wilkins | Atlanta Hawks | Indianapolis |
| 1984 | Larry Nance | Phoenix Suns | Denver |
