Get ready for pure shooting magic this All-Star Saturday Night! The 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest is about to take center stage at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Saturday, February 14, at 5 p.m. ET. Eight elite sharpshooters will face off in an electrifying display of accuracy and speed that'll leave you breathless.

Whether you're a devoted NBA fanatic or just catching the highlights, this timed event delivers non-stop entertainment. Watch these athletes navigate 70-second rounds, sinking 1-point shots, 2-point money balls, and impossible 3-point "From the Logo" attempts. You won't want to miss this showcase of incredible talent and clutch performance. Tune in on NBC or stream it live on Peacock to witness basketball's most explosive three-point shooters battle for supremacy and bragging rights.

What Makes the 3-Point Contest Must-Watch Entertainment

The 3-Point Contest stands as one of All-Star Weekend's most electrifying spectacles. You get pure shooting artistry without the defensive intensity of regular-season games. It's entertainment that rewards precision, nerve, and clutch performance when the pressure peaks. This event transforms the basketball league into a showcase of individual skill that captivates casual viewers and hardcore fans alike.

Since its debut in 1986, this contest has showcased some of basketball's greatest marksmen. The history runs deep, and you've witnessed countless iconic moments:

Contest Records and Milestones:

  • Most wins (3 each): Larry Bird, Craig Hodges, and Damian Lillard
  • Single-round record: Karl-Anthony Towns' incredible 29 points (2022)
  • Recent champions: Stephen Curry (2021), Karl-Anthony Towns (2022), Damian Lillard (2023-2024), Tyler Herro (2025)

For 2026, compelling storylines unfold before you. Damian Lillard targets history, pursuing a record-breaking fourth victory as the two-time defending champion. You'll witness Devin Booker's return to the competition as a past champion from 2018, bringing championship-level accuracy and experience.

The debut appearances add intrigue too. Rookie Kon Knueppel enters the contest alongside veteran debutants Tyrese Maxey and Bobby Portis, who leads the league at 45.1% from three-point range. The field features authentic elite shooters with actual percentages backing their participation.

This competition captivates you because it strips basketball to its essence: accuracy under pressure. You see competitors battle not defenders but perfection itself. That raw, unfiltered competition is why the 3-Point Contest remains unmissable entertainment.

Complete Broadcast and Streaming Coverage Guide

TV Channel and Cable Options

You can watch the 2026 3-Point Contest on NBC on February 14 at 5 p.m. ET through your traditional cable or satellite TV subscription. If you have a cable provider like Comcast, Charter, or satellite services like DirecTV or Dish Network, simply tune to NBC in your local market. This straightforward broadcast option remains the classic way to catch all the shooting action live. Check your local listings to confirm the exact channel number in your area, as it may vary by region.

NBA App and League Pass Access

The official NBA app serves as your hub for highlights, stats, and exclusive content. You can potentially access live streams through NBA League Pass, though blackout restrictions may apply depending on your location and subscription tier. The app works seamlessly across smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.

International viewers should check local broadcasting partners and streaming availability in their regions, as coverage varies by country. Many territories have dedicated sports networks carrying NBA events.

Event Schedule and Format Breakdown

You'll catch all the action live on NBC and Peacock as the league continues its rotating All-Star Weekend venue tradition. This year, Inglewood hosts the shooting showcase while other All-Star events take place elsewhere, keeping the experience fresh across different cities.

The competition features a straightforward two-round structure with eight elite shooters competing for championship glory. During Round 1, all participants take their turns, and you'll see the top three scorers advance to the final round. The Championship Round then unfolds in reverse order of Round 1 scores, creating drama as lower scorers shoot first. Each competitor gets exactly 70 seconds per round to complete all their shots, making time management crucial for success.

Here's the detailed breakdown of shooting locations and scoring: Five racks position around the three-point arc at classic locations: both corners, the top of the key, and two wings at 45-degree angles. Players strategically choose which rack becomes their all-money-ball rack. Remember, money balls must be shot last in sequence, or the shot counts as void. The special Logo Pedestals sit six feet behind the arc, adding an extreme challenge. You're looking at 27 total shots possible per round, creating incredible scoring potential for these sharpshooters.

The 2026 Competitors and Key Storylines

You're witnessing an exceptional eight-player field ready to compete at the highest level this year. The 2026 three-point contest brings together established champions, rising talents, and thrilling newcomers all vying for glory.

Here's your complete player field:

  1. Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers) - Two-time defending champion hunting history with a potential record fourth win
  2. Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) - 2018 victor looking to reclaim his crown
  3. Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers) - Elite scorer shooting 37.9% on 9.7 attempts nightly
  4. Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers) - Rising star making his debut appearance
  5. Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets) - Clutch performer connecting at 43.2% from range
  6. Norman Powell (Miami Heat) - Sharpshooting veteran displaying 39.6% accuracy
  7. Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks) - Surprising big man entry leading at 45.1%
  8. Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets) - Rookie sensation shooting 42.8%, seeking historic first-time win

The storylines are captivating! You're watching Lillard's legendary pursuit break the tie with Larry Bird and Craig Hodges' three wins each. He has also not played this season while recovering from a torn Achillies.

Booker returns as a former champion, while Maxey and Knueppel bring youthful energy as debuting competitors. Meanwhile, Bobby Portis stands out as the sole big man competing. The unpredictability remains fierce despite impressive shooting percentages across the roster. Karl-Anthony Towns' 29-point final round record from 2022 looms large. You won't want to miss this championship caliber competition!