• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Mac McClung’s Dunk Contest Winnings Eclipse His NBA Guaranteed Salary

 McClung became the first player to win three consecutive dunk contests on Saturday despite his thin NBA resume.

Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung competes in the slam dunk competition during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center
Cary Edmondson/Imagn Images

After jumping over a Kia, leaping over Cavaliers 6-foot-11 forward Evan Mobley (while tapping the rim), and jamming two basketballs after catching one from a friend rotating on a hoverboard, Mac McClung made history on Saturday night, becoming the first player to win the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest in three consecutive seasons. It also tied him with Nate Robinson for the most amount of dunk contest titles. 

The win secured him $105,000, giving McClung $310,000 in total dunk contest winnings. The amount eclipses his guaranteed career NBA earnings of $132,101, according to Spotrac.

That sum, however, does not account for two-way contracts like the one MacClung is currently on with the Magic. He’s signed two previous deals with the Lakers and Sixers, but never made it through the full season on one. 

A two-way contract pays half of a rookie minimum salary—$578,577 for this season. Two-way contracts allow a player to spend a maximum of 45 days with the NBA team the player is signed to and the rest of the season with its respective G League affiliate. 

McClung was on a two-way deal with the Lakers and Sixers for roughly three months each, which puts his earnings close to his dunk contest winnings. However, if McClung can finish the season with the Magic on his current two-way deal, his NBA earnings will eclipse his dunk contest winnings for the first time in his career. 

He has played just five minutes this season with the Orlando Magic and has spent most of his time with the team’s G-League affiliate in Osceola. 

Despite his tantalizing dunks, McClung, 26, has played in just five career NBA games over three seasons. His 6-foot-2 frame adds to the lore of his high-flying dunks, but he is not a natural point guard and is too small to play on the wing, which is why he’s spent so little time in the NBA, despite his athleticism and 2024 G League MVP award. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

How a Small Town in Georgia Got the ACC Women’s Tournament

Greensboro has typically been the tournament’s host.
Mar 2, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) lays the ball up against NC State Wolfpack forward Darrion Williams (1) during the second half at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Why a College Basketball Game Organizer Is Fighting With Photo Services

One of this season’s top games had no photos from major wire services.

With New NFL Rights Talks, Price Hikes Will ‘Pass to Consumers’

An analysis concludes the NFL is significantly underpriced relative to the NBA.

Hawks Stand By ‘Magic City Monday’ Promotion

Al Horford and Luke Kornet criticized the strip club-themed night.

Featured Today

Nicole Silveira

The Tattoo Marking Membership in the Most Exclusive Club in Sports

For athletes, the Olympic rings tattoo is “about everything it took.”
Dec 25, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Ball Arena.
March 1, 2026

Young Athletes Have Entered Their LinkedIn Era

Athletes can’t play forever. Some are laying the groundwork for Act 2.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.
February 27, 2026

The American Sports Owners Feuding Over a French Soccer Team

John Textor is at odds with Michele Kang and investment giant Ares.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium
February 21, 2026

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell

Jeffrey Epstein Was Funding Maryland Girls Club Soccer Powerhouse

The team website thanked Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell for their mid-2000s donations.
Jack Draper
February 25, 2026

Indian Wells Triples the Prize Money for Mixed Doubles

The “Fifth Slam” is leaning in to the mixed doubles trend.
Jan 28, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Jessica Pegula of United States celebrates her victory over Amanda Anisimova of United States in the quarterfinals of the women’s singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park.
February 25, 2026

Pegula, Keys Blame ‘Tough’ Tennis Schedule for Rash of Withdrawals

Pegula won in Dubai, then withdrew from a WTA 250 event.
Sponsored

From USWNT Star to NWSL Franchise Founder

Leslie Osborne, former USWNT midfielder, shares how athletes are moving from the pitch to the ownership table.
February 23, 2026

Serena Williams Now Eligible to Play But ‘No Word’ on Indian Wells..

Her sister, Venus, will play at the BNP Paribas Open.
February 23, 2026

Mexican Soccer Postponed Amid Violence With World Cup Months Away

Tennis and UFC events will continue as planned.
Anthony Kim
February 20, 2026

Inside Anthony Kim’s Chaotic Path to Stunning Victory at LIV Golf

Anthony Kim joined the 4Aces after Patrick Reed abruptly left LIV.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team USA Stripes forward Jaylen Brown (7) of the Boston Celtics shoots against Team USA Stars guard Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
February 19, 2026

Beverly Hills Apologizes to Jaylen Brown Over All-Star Fiasco

Brown released a statement following the city’s apology.