The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend took place in Chicago with a new format replacing the traditional skills challenge. Friday night’s event began with the Shooting Stars competition, a four-team event featuring current players, legends, and high school stars from the Nike EYBL. Teams were formed by regional markets including Minnesota, Seattle, Washington, and Dallas/Detroit. Each team included a standout high school player along with WNBA veterans and Hall of Famers.
The Washington team, led by Elena Delle Donne and Shakira Austin, won the first round of Shooting Stars. The Seattle team finished second after a close match. The competition was timed, with each squad getting 70 seconds to score from seven different spots on the court. Points were awarded based on the location and type of shot taken. The two top-scoring teams advanced to a final showdown.
Following the Shooting Stars event, the main attraction was the 3-point contest. Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, emerged as the winner. She scored 30 points in her final round, surpassing Bridget Carleton who had 27 points in the first round. Fudd became the first rookie to win the event in its 13-year history. The contest also featured players like Marina Mabrey, Rhyne Howard, and Janelle Salaün.
Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu were not included in this year’s 3-point contest. Ionescu had previously won two of the last three competitions but was reportedly not invited to compete again. The field also included Natisha Hiedeman and Azzi Fudd, who was making her first All-Star appearance.
The weekend kicked off with an Orange Carpet event in Chicago, where players showed off their fashion choices ahead of Saturday’s main game. Notable attendees included Breanna Stewart, A’Ja Wilson, and Angel Reese. Reese arrived in a Barbie-themed outfit, celebrating the release of her signature doll by the toy company.
Barack Obama visited the All-Stars at the Obama Presidential Center during the weekend. He met with players including Caitlin Clark and Marina Mabrey. Clark shared how Obama’s words helped her stay grounded amid media attention. Mabrey was surprised that Obama mentioned her record-breaking 53-point game.
Saturday’s main event saw two All-Star teams face off in a game at the United Center. The teams were led by legends Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon, with coaches Becky Hammon and Cheryl Reeve. The game was broadcast on ABC and streamed on ESPN and fubo. The event marked the second time Chicago hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, with this year’s version featuring a larger venue than in 2022.
The weekend also highlighted the league’s 30th season. Players expressed gratitude for Obama’s support and connection to women’s basketball. The All-Star festivities brought together fans, players, and partners from across the sports world. The new Shooting Stars format gave fans a fresh look at the game’s history and future.
The WNBA continues to grow in popularity, with events like this one drawing attention from global audiences. The 2026 season has seen strong performances by young stars and veterans alike. As the league moves forward, these celebrations help promote its message of excellence and inclusion. The All-Star Weekend was a showcase of talent, tradition, and innovation in women’s professional basketball.
IMAGE: Basketball players Anna Wilson and Azzi Fudd during the 2022 NCAA Final Four. Photo: John Mac / Wikimedia, taken 2022-04-01, CC BY-SA 2.0
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