National Basketball Association (NBA) confirmed the list of athletes who will participate in the AT&T Slam Dunk, the prestigious dunk tournament that is part of the NBA All-Star Saturday. With four new faces ready to compete for the title, the event promises to renew the excitement and adrenaline, without the presence of the previous champion, guaranteeing an unprecedented coronation. All eyes turn to Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, Keshad Johnson and Expectations are high to see which of these talents will be able to stand out and leave their mark on the history of the championship, which will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock starting at 5 pm ET.
The league’s official statement, released on February 7, highlights the inclusion of two freshmen among the competitors, injecting a dose of youth and freshness into the competition. Essa selection seeks not only the visual spectacle, but also the emergence of new narratives in the professional basketball scene, with athletes from different positions and backgrounds.
One of the newcomers, Jase Richardson, brings a strong surname to the tournament. Ele is the son of Jason Richardson, legendary two-time AT&T champion
New talents and the family legacy highlighted
Entre the four names announced for AT&T Slam Dunk, two are newcomers to the league, reinforcing the event’s tradition of launching new talents onto the global basketball scene. Carter Bryant, the 1.98 meter tall wing of the San Antonio Spurs, was the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and his participation already generates great expectations about his ability to adapt and innovate in dunks. Sua presence in the All-Star Weekend so early in his career is an indication of his athletic potential and the league’s confidence in his spectacle.
Jase Richardson, Orlando Magic’s 1.85 meter point guard, chosen 25th overall in the same Draft of 2025, is another freshman who promises to surprise. The fact that he is the son of Jason Richardson, an icon of Slam Dunk, adds an extra layer of emotion and history to his participation. The comparison to his father, who marked the competition with memorable and creative dunks, will be inevitable, but Jase will have the opportunity to forge his own path and style on the big stage.
Completando the quartet, Jaxson Hayes, a 2.13 meter center from Los Angeles Lakers, and Keshad Johnson, a 1.98 meter wing from Miami Heat, bring experience to the competition. Hayes is in his seventh NBA season and third with the Lakers, known for his wingspan and athleticism. Johnson, in turn, is in his second season in the league, having played for both Heat and Sioux Falls Skyforce, the team’s affiliate in G League, showing versatility and physical explosiveness.
Format and the search for the unprecedented champion
The 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk will follow a two-round format designed to maximize spectacle and competitiveness. In the first stage, each of the four participants will have the chance to perform two dunks, seeking to impress the judges with creativity, difficulty and impeccable execution. The sum of the scores obtained in these two attempts will define the two athletes with the best performances, who will advance to the awaited final round.
In the decisive round, the two finalists will again have the opportunity to perform two dunks each. Tension rises, as every move is crucial to securing the title. The combined score of these last two dunks will determine the grand champion. The absence of a title defender ensures that the public will witness the rise of a new winner, an element that historically intensifies the excitement and interest in the competition.
The trajectory of new talents in the league
Carter Bryant, as the 14th overall pick of the 2025 Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, comes to the Slam Dunk as one of the youngest and most promising talents in the NBA. Sua transition from college to professional basketball has been closely watched, and his selection for the dunk contest reflects recognition of his athletic qualities and potential to steal the show. The expectation is that he will bring a combination of strength and agility, essential elements for an impactful performance.
Jase Richardson, selected in 25th position by Orlando Magic, carries the weight of a legendary surname. Acompanhar his evolution and the way he will honor or differentiate himself from his father’s legacy is one of the most intriguing points. Como point guard, Richardson demonstrates explosiveness and body control that allow him to fly over the basket, skills that will be tested and celebrated on the All-Star Saturday stage, promising moments of pure acrobatics.
Jaxson Hayes, with his imposing stature and experience from several seasons in the NBA, represents a different athletic force. Sua’s ability to jump and finish with power, combined with a long wingspan, makes him a candidate for gravity-defying dunks that utilize all available air space. Sua’s presence adds a dynamic of power and grandeur alongside the newcomers, while Keshad Johnson, a versatile winger, should deliver a series of dunks that highlight his versatility and athleticism.
The stage: Intuit Dome and the tradition of the event
Intuit Dome, located at Inglewood, Califórnia, will be the majestic stage for AT&T Slam Dunk. Esta state-of-the-art arena is designed to provide an immersive experience for fans, offering the ideal infrastructure for such a dynamic and visually spectacular event as the dunk contest. The choice of location reinforces the NBA’s commitment to offering high-level events in facilities that complement the grandeur of the All-Star Weekend.
The Slam Dunk Contest has a rich and storied history within the NBA All-Star Saturday, being one of the most anticipated events of the festive weekend. Desde its conception, the contest has been the stage for some of the most iconic and electrifying moments in basketball history, where athletes transform the art of dunking into a unique form of expression. The competition transcends mere sport, becoming a spectacle of pure athletics, innovation and creativity that captures the imagination of millions of fans.
Over the decades, the event has not only crowned champions, but also launched stars and solidified legacies, with dunks that are revisited and celebrated for generations. The ability of some of the biggest names in sports to defy the laws of physics and invent never-before-seen moves is what keeps Slam Dunk relevant and exciting year after year. It’s a celebration of the most spectacular things about basketball.
For Para participants, the chance to compete in Slam Dunk is an opportunity to demonstrate your athletic skills on a global stage, often raising your profile and popularity. The event is more than a competition; it is a showcase for the innovation and individual talent that significantly contributes to the NBA’s global appeal.
Preparations and impact on NBA culture
Preparing for AT&T Slam Dunk goes far beyond the usual basketball training. Competitors dedicate hours to improving their technique, synchronization and, above all, creativity. Muitos seek help from skills coaches and choreographers to develop unique and memorable dunks that can surprise the judges and captivate the audience. Esse level of dedication reflects the importance that the event has both for the players, who aim to leave a legacy, and for the league, which seeks to maintain the fascination of its fans.
Slam Dunk Contest is not just an athletic spectacle; he is a cultural phenomenon that permeates basketball and sport in general. Suas images and videos are shared widely, inspiring young athletes and entertaining enthusiasts around the world. The event serves as a barometer of athletic innovation in the NBA, showcasing the evolution of players’ skills and physical ability over time. With each edition, the competition reinforces the league’s image as a leader in sports entertainment, attracting a diverse and global audience.
The future of Slam Dunk and fans’ bets
With the introduction of new talent and the promise of an all-new champion, AT&T Slam Dunk is positioned for an exciting future, reigniting discussions and bets among fans. The diversity of competitor profiles — from freshmen eager to prove their worth to more experienced players looking to make their mark on All-Star Weekend — suggests an unpredictable competition full of breathtaking moments. Social media and basketball forums are already buzzing with speculation about who has the most creative dunk package, the biggest vertical or the ability to innovate under pressure. Essa anticipation is the fuel that keeps the dunk contest a cornerstone of All-Star
Broadcast and the audience experience
Fans can catch all the action from AT&T Slam Dunk live on Saturday, February 14, broadcast on NBC and the Peacock streaming service starting at 5 p.m. ET. The event is an essential part of NBA All-Star Saturday, which also includes other skills and shooting competitions, ensuring a full afternoon of entertainment and top-notch basketball for viewers at home and at Intuit Dome.
