Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia wants the 2027 NBA All-Star Weekend to feel noticeably different, and he says he is working directly with commissioner Adam Silver to make that happen.
Speaking on Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo Show, Ishbia said discussions with the league include possible changes to the traditional Saturday night events, a stronger effort to attract elite names to the 3-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest, and even the possibility of introducing an entirely new competition.
“I’m working closely with Adam Silver and the NBA. We’re going to try some new stuff,” Ishbia said. “How do we make the dunk contest better? How do I get the best players in the 3-point contest?”
Ishbia specifically pointed to star participation as one of his priorities. Devin Booker is expected to be part of the 3-Point Contest in Phoenix, and Ishbia said he wants to find ways to bring additional superstars into the event. He also made clear that he does not want the Dunk Contest to simply repeat recent editions without meaningful changes.
The Suns owner has already floated another major incentive: a $1 million prize for the winners of both the Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Contest, with another $1 million tied to charity for each event, according to comments he previously made on The Pat McAfee Show.
Phoenix will host NBA All-Star Weekend from February 19-21, 2027, with the All-Star Game scheduled for February 21 at Mortgage Matchup Center. It will mark the fourth time the city has hosted the event and the first since 2009.
The league is also already expanding the surrounding fan experience. NBA Jam Session will return for the first time since 2014, occupying more than 300,000 square feet at the Phoenix Convention Center and featuring more than 40 interactive activations, more than 100 talent appearances, live shows, merchandise and programming built around basketball, music, fashion and culture.
Ishbia’s ambition goes beyond simply hosting the event. He has repeatedly framed All-Star Weekend as an opportunity to showcase Phoenix on a global stage.
“My goal is to make this the best NBA All-Star Weekend of all time,” Ishbia said.
With Ishbia pushing for changes and Silver directly involved in the planning, the 2027 edition in Phoenix is already shaping up as another attempt to rethink one of the NBA’s biggest showcase weekends.
