There's a growing push for the NBA to get rid of the Dunk Contest following 2026 All-Star Weekend.
The NBA's 2026 All-Star Game was a success, thanks to a revamped format, featuring three different teams - two U.S. teams, one World team - playing a round robin style tournament before crowing a champion. Anthony Edwards led his U.S. team to the win while earning the game's MVP award.
But All-Star Saturday Night was a bit of a snoozefest. The Dunk Contest, featuring four players most fans have never heard of, failed to make much of an impact in the sports world.
Feb 14, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson (16) celebrates with the trophy after winning the slam dunk competition during the 2026 NBA All Star Saturday Night at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson won the Dunk Contest.
In the wake of his victory, though, some fans are calling for the NBA Dunk Contest to come to an end.
"It makes me think they shouldn't have it," Bill Simmons said.
NBA fans think it might be time for the Dunk Contest to end
"Nothing fun about millions of people staring at one nba player expecting him to put a ball in a basket wich is extremely easy for him. It's cringe, you don't want him to dunk, you want him to show you a trick that he needs to come up with and practice endlessly. Stupid idea," one fan wrote.
"It's just time for it to end," one fan added.
"The Dunk Contest needs to go away, I think," another fan wrote.
Does the NBA need to get rid of the Dunk Contest?
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