The NBA just dropped a bombshell announcement that will electrify basketball fans worldwide! The highly anticipated AT&T Slam Dunk Contest is set to take place on Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2026, and the participants are sure to set the court on fire. But here's the twist: all four dunkers are first-timers at this prestigious event.
The Lineup:
- Carter Bryant, the 6'6" forward from the San Antonio Spurs, was a 2025 NBA Draft pick, selected 14th overall.
- Jaxson Hayes, a towering 7-foot center, is in his seventh season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Keshad Johnson, a 6'6" forward, played for the Miami Heat and their G League affiliate last season.
- Jase Richardson, a 6'1" guard for the Orlando Magic, is an exciting rookie and the son of two-time Slam Dunk champion Jason Richardson, adding a touch of legacy to the contest.
The Format: This year's contest will follow a two-round structure, with judges scoring each dunk. In the preliminary round, each player will showcase their creativity with two dunks, and the top two scorers will advance. The final round will see the finalists perform two more dunks, with the highest combined score taking home the championship title.
And this is where it gets interesting: with no previous winners in the mix, the competition is wide open. Will the rookies rise to the occasion, or will experience prevail? The AT&T Slam Dunk Contest is renowned for its high-flying, gravity-defying moments, and this year promises to be no different.
For those eager to witness the action, the event will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock, bringing the excitement to fans across the nation. So, mark your calendars and get ready to witness basketball history in the making! But remember, the rules are there for a reason (PDF: http://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2026/02/2026-ATT-Slam-Dunk-Rules.pdf), and they just might surprise you.
Are you ready for the ultimate slam dunk showdown? Who do you think will take the crown? Share your predictions and join the hype as we count down to this thrilling event!
