The 3-Point Contest is one of the premier events of NBA All-Star Saturday Night, showcasing the league’s best shooters in a high-pressure, rapid-fire competition. The 2026 edition once again brings elite marksmen together for a battle beyond the arc.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest rules, format, scoring system, and structure.
Official Event Overview
- Event: State Farm 3-Point Contest (2026 edition)
- Date: February 14, 2026
- Venue: Intuit Dome (Inglewood, California)
- Broadcast: NBC and Peacock
- League: NBA
2026 3-Point Contest Format
Round 1: Opening Round
- Eight players compete.
- Each shooter has 70 seconds to complete their round.
- Players shoot from five racks positioned around the three-point arc:
- Two corners
- Two wings
- Top of the key
How Many Shots?
Each contestant attempts 27 total shots, broken down as:
- 4 regular balls per rack (1 point each)
- 1 money ball per rack (2 points)
- One rack chosen by the player is an all-money-ball rack (every ball worth 2 points)
The goal is simple: score as many points as possible within the time limit.
Advancement to the Finals
- The top three scorers from Round 1 advance to the final round.
- If there is a tie for a qualifying position, a timed tiebreaker round determines advancement.
Final Round: Championship Round
- The top three shooters compete again under the same format:
- 70 seconds
- 27 shots
- Same scoring structure
- The player with the highest score in the final round wins the 2026 3-Point Contest.
Note: Scores from Round 1 do not carry over.
3-Point Contest Scoring Breakdown
Regular Balls
- Worth 1 point each.
Money Balls
- Worth 2 points each.
Maximum Possible Score
Depending on rack placement and perfect shooting, the maximum score typically falls in the mid-to-high 30s.
Strategy in the 3-Point Contest
Success isn’t just about pure shooting ability. Players must manage:
- Rhythm and pacing
- Smart rack placement (choosing where to put the all-money-ball rack)
- Clock awareness
- Consistency under pressure
Many shooters strategically place their money-ball rack in their favorite shooting spot, often at a wing position.
Why the 3-Point Contest Matters
The 3-Point Contest highlights one of the most important skills in today’s NBA — long-range shooting. As three-point attempts continue to rise league-wide, the contest serves as a showcase for the game’s most efficient and explosive perimeter scorers.
With eight elite shooters and a fast-paced format, the 2026 edition promises dramatic finishes and potentially record-setting performances at Intuit Dome.
How to Watch the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest
Fans can watch the event live during All-Star Saturday Night on:
- NBC (Television broadcast)
- Peacock (Streaming platform)
The 3-Point Contest is held alongside other marquee events such as the Slam Dunk Contest and Skills Challenge.
Final Takeaway
The 2026 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest features:
- 8 shooters
- 70 seconds per round
- 27 total shots
- Regular balls worth 1 point
- Money balls worth 2 points
- Top 3 advance to the finals
Fast-paced, high-scoring, and pressure-packed — the 3-Point Contest remains one of the most exciting parts of NBA All-Star Weekend.