The NBA's Slam Dunk Contest has long been the premiere event of All-Star Saturday.
Four players get an opportunity to put their athleticism on full display, throwing down slams in unique ways while attempting to impress fans and judges.
Even beyond the national recognition that comes along with participation, however, players also have an opportunity to bring in some cash by winning the Dunk Contest.
Here's what to know about how much the winner of the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest will make.
MORE: How does the NBA All-Star Game format work in 2026?
NBA Slam Dunk Contest prize money
The NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) calls for $105,000 to be awarded to the Slam Dunk Contest winner. Second place takes home $55,000, and the other two contestants receive $20,000.
Financial incentive is certainly part of the reason some of the NBA's biggest stars often don't participate in the event. But for some players, $105,000 would be a significant chunk of change to add to their salary.
For example, according to Spotrac, the 2026 Dunk Contest participants are making the following salaries in the 2025-26 season:
Carter Bryant, Spurs: $4,900,320
Jaxson Hayes, Lakers: $3,449,323
Jase Richardson, Magic: $2,983,320
Keshad Johnson, Heat: $1,955,377
NBA All-Star Saturday Night prize breakdown
The Slam Dunk Contest prize remains the largest of the three All-Star Saturday Night events.
Event Prize
Slam Dunk Contest $105,000
3-Point Contest $60,000
Skills Challenge $55,000 (team)
MORE:Full results from the 2026 NBA Celebrity All-Star Game
NBA Slam Dunk Contest winners
Year Winner Team Location
2025 Mac McClung Orlando Magic San Francisco
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