This year’s NBA All-Star Saturday Night will crown a new dunk contest champion, as three-time winner Mac McClung is not competing. On February 14, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, four participants, including Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers, will vie for the coveted title in the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest.
Contenders Set for the 2026 Slam Dunk Battle
The NBA officially announced the four players competing in this year’s dunk contest: Carter Bryant from the San Antonio Spurs, Jaxson Hayes representing the Los Angeles Lakers, Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat, and rookie Jase Richardson from the Orlando Magic. With McClung stepping aside, these rising stars have the opportunity to shine in one of the league’s most electrifying competitions.
Jaxson Hayes has earned a strong reputation as an electrifying dunker during games. Known for his impressive aerial skills, Hayes has notably executed a between-the-legs dunk with flair, electrifying fans and showcasing his athleticism on multiple occasions. Such moves make him a serious contender for the contest title.
Meanwhile, rookie dunker Jase Richardson carries a family legacy into the competition. His father, Jason Richardson, famously battled Desmond Mason in the 2003 NBA Dunk Contest, creating one of the most memorable showdowns in dunk contest history.
NBA All-Star Saturday Night Set to Thrill Fans Nationwide
The dunk contest will take place as part of NBA All-Star Saturday Night, which also features the Shooting Stars challenge and the 3-Point Contest. The event will begin at 5 p.m. Eastern on February 14 and will be broadcast live from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. The earlier start time is coordinated to flow seamlessly into NBC’s continued coverage of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Across the weekend, viewers can enjoy all aspects of the NBA’s All-Star festivities. The Rising Stars challenge kicks off the weekend on Friday, February 13, followed by the Saturday night events that highlight the league’s top dunkers and shooters. The weekend culminates with the 75th NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 15, set for a 5 p.m. Eastern tip-off.
Broadcast Details and Viewing Options for the NBA All-Star Weekend
All major All-Star Weekend events will be televised on NBC and streamed on Peacock. This includes the Rising Stars challenge, All-Star Saturday Night activities, and the main All-Star Game. Peacock will continue its NBA coverage throughout the regular season, offering streaming for select Monday night games and Tuesday doubleheaders via the Coast 2 Coast Tuesday programming block on both NBC and Peacock platforms.
Broadcast schedules vary by time zone, with games at 8 p.m. ET airing on NBC stations in Eastern and Central regions, and 8 p.m. PT games shown in Pacific and Mountain zones. Fans are encouraged to check local listings for exact details. Additionally, NBC Sports is launching Sunday Night Basketball coverage starting February 1, 2026, across NBC and Peacock.
Accessing Peacock for Comprehensive NBA Coverage
Fans interested in streaming All-Star Weekend and more NBA action can sign up for Peacock, which offers live sports, documentaries, sports shows, classic matches, and a wide selection of movies and TV series. Peacock provides access to original programming, news channels, and current NBC and Bravo hits, ensuring viewers can enjoy a variety of entertainment beyond sports.
🌟 The 2026 @ATT Slam Dunk field! 🌟
NBA All-Star Saturday: 2/14, 5:00pm/et on NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/IQ4oIWaWgy
— NBA (@NBA) February 7, 2026
JAXSON HAYES BETWEEN THE LEGS DUNK OH MY GOODNESS pic.twitter.com/6ZZ3TWoXH7
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 27, 2026
Jason Richardson vs. Desmond Mason in the 2003 NBA Dunk Contest pic.twitter.com/vh8Tz2iXNo
— ThrowbackHoops (@ThrowbackHoops) February 5, 2026
