When did the NBA Skills Challenge start and end?
The NBA Skills Challenge began in 2003 and was held every year through 2025 as part of All-Star Weekend. It was replaced in 2026 by the returning Shooting Stars Competition.
Questions about NBA All-Star Weekend Skills Challenge
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is the NBA Skills Challenge officially called?
The event was officially named the Kia Skills Challenge, after its final sponsor. Earlier sponsors included 989 Sports, PlayStation, and Taco Bell.
Who won the last NBA Skills Challenge?
Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley won the final Skills Challenge in 2025, competing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was the Cavaliers' second win in the three-team format and Mobley's second championship.
When were frontcourt players allowed to compete in the NBA Skills Challenge?
Frontcourt players were first allowed and invited to compete in 2016. Karl-Anthony Towns won that year, followed by Kristaps Porziņģis in 2017, Bam Adebayo in 2020, and Domantas Sabonis in 2021.
How did the original NBA Skills Challenge course work?
Until 2022, two players raced identical courses, dribbling between five obstacles, throwing a pass into an upright hoop, dribbling the length of the court for a layup, then dribbling back for a three-pointer from the top of the key. The first player to hit the three-pointer won the race.
How many times has Chris Paul competed in the NBA Skills Challenge?
Chris Paul is listed as a six-time participant in the Skills Challenge, more than any other player in the event's bracket history. Tony Parker and John Wall follow with four appearances each.