CHICAGO — It is finally time to play the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game.
After the WNBA orange carpet on Thursday, July 24, practice with a visit from former President Barack Obama and the 3-Point/Shooting Stars
contest on Friday, July 25, we are ready for the main event.
The WNBA All-Star Game tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET at the United Center. Team Spoon, picked by Hall of Famer Teresa Witherspoon, will take on Team Coop, selected by fellow Hall of Fame Cynthia Cooper. Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve will lead Team Spoon, and Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon will lead Team Coop.
USA TODAY Sports is on the ground for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago and is providing live coverage of Saturday's All-Star Game. Follow along below:
Dominique Malonga dunks
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is a walking highlight reel, as evidenced by Dominique Malonga’s one-handed slam. Malonga’s dunk is the first in an All-Star Game since Sylvia Fowles in 2022.
DOMINIQUE MALONGA DUNKS IN THE ALL-STAR GAME 😤 #WNBAAllStar2026 | @ATT pic.twitter.com/BG0fkqSaPU
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 26, 2026
End of Q1: Team Spoon 35, Team Coop 34
It's raining 3-pointers in the United Center. The best players in WNBA showcased their shooting abilities and an early MVP race emerged between Team Spoon's Caitlin Clark and Team Coop's Marina Mabrey.
Clark leads Team Spoon with 11 points, while A'ja Wilson and Allisha Gray each added six points.
Mabrey has a game-high 17 points after sinking five 3-pointers in the first quarter. Dominque Malonga has four points off the bench.
True to it not new to it ⚡️
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 26, 2026
Run back Caitlin Clark's three from way down town!#WNBAAllStar2026 | @ATT pic.twitter.com/wSjngfCyum
Marina Mabrey stats
Marina Mabrey may have made an early exit in the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest on July 24, but you would never be able to tell based on her performance early in the 2026 All-Star Game.
Mabrey knocked down five 3-pointers in the first quarter. She's 6-of-7 from the field and 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. She’s up to 18 points in her first All-Star appearance.
IT'S RAINING THREES 🌧️
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 26, 2026
Marina Mabrey is 2/2 from deep! #WNBAAllStar2026 | @ATT pic.twitter.com/NR2Tyoe9vz
Caitlin Clark knocks down deep 3-pointers
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark may be wearing blue for the night representing Team Spoon, but she's red-hot in Chicago. Clark scored 11 points in four minutes, including three deep 3-pointers. Clark is fully dialed in and even showcased her defense. She intercepted a pass from Paige Bueckers and took it back in transition for a layup.
WHAT A START FOR CLARK 😌
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 26, 2026
She claims the first bucket of the night and has 11 PTS in the opening minutes!#WNBAAllStar2026 | @ATT pic.twitter.com/xBGTrpq5Xo
Caitlin Clark All-Star stats
Clark has 11 points in the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, shooting 4-of-8 from the field and 3-of-6 from the 3-point line. Clark's stat line is rounded out by one steal and one rebound.
2026 WNBA All-Star Game tips off
We're underway at the Untied Center.
What time is the WNBA All-Star Game?
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 25, at the United Center in Chicago.
- Date: Saturday, July 25
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
How to watch WNBA All-Star Game
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game will be televised nationwide on ABC and streamed on Disney+
- TV channel: ABC
- Streaming options: Disney+
Watch WNBA All-Star on Fubo
Holly Rowe gets emotional introducing WNBA legends
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game coincides with the league's 30th anniversary and ESPN broadcaster Holly Rowe took time to celebrate the league's past, alongside its present and future.
Rowe fought back tears as she introduced Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo and "countless others that have played a part in this league's history and its success."
"They are champions, gold medalists, MVPs, elite coaches, athletic trainers. Together with all of you, we have created a legacy and a future that grows stronger with every generation. Look what we've built," an emotional Rowe said. "This room is full of so many people who have had an immeasurable impact on the game that we love. Congratulations to the WNBA on its 30th season. Now let's celebrate our present and our future built on the shoulders of all of you beautiful people."
All-Star captains Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark talk strategy
The two top vote-getters for the WNBA All-Star Game, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, spoke to ESPN's broadcast crew before tipoff. They both were asked if they were planning any special shots.
"A left-handed layup," Bueckers said, with a laugh. "I have shot two all year"
Clark promised some of her signature long-range 3-pointers. The All-Star Game used to have a 4-point shot but not this season.
"I am going to be shooting it from pretty far back," Clark said. "Again, kinda disappointed they took away the 4-point shot."
Kiki Iriafen plans to 'lock down' teammate Sonia Citron
Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron are teammates on the Washington Mystics, but not for the night. Iriafen and Citron are going to face off against each other during the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday.
Iriafen is on Team Spoon, while Citron is on Team Coop.
“I’m going to guard Sonia (Citron). Lock down,” Iriafen said with a laugh.
Mystic vs. Mystic 🫣
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 26, 2026
Kiki Iriafen is looking forward to locking down Sonia Citron on defense tonight!#WNBAAllStar2026 | @ATT pic.twitter.com/WitEejpNIe
Team Coop 'trying to get Marina Mabrey MVP'
Team Coop has a clear strategy — Get Marina Mabrey the ball. "I think our team is trying to get Marina (Mabrey) MVP, so we'll see how that goes," team captain Paige Bueckers revealed on the ESPN pregame show.
Team Spoon, on the other hand, is going on all vibes. "Seems like (Team Coop) has more strategy. We haven't talked about anything. We got first play, baseline out of bounds, sideline out of bounds, that's about it," Team Spoon captain Caitlin Clark responded.
First Look: Team Spoon
Team Spoon, named after honorary general manager Teresa Weatherspoon, showed off their blue jerseys in their official team portrait ahead of Saturday's WNBA All-Star Game.
Team Spoon, say cheese 📸 🤣
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 25, 2026
First look at Team Spoon getting their 2026 All-Star portraits taken...uncut version.#WNBAAllStar2026 | @ATT pic.twitter.com/4hwmvHuoMW
First Look: Team Coop
Team Coop, named after honorary general manager Cynthia Cooper, are rocking red for the WNBA All-Star Game.
And we present to you, Team Coop 🤩#WNBAAllStar2026 | @ATT pic.twitter.com/8TnyoazC4W
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 25, 2026
WNBA All-Star MVPs, by year
- 2025: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
- 2024: Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings
- 2023: Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm
- 2022: Kelsey Plum, Las Vegas Aces
- 2021: Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings
- 2019: Erica Wheeler, Indiana Fever
- 2018: Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx
- 2017: Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx
- 2015: Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx
- 2014: Shoni Schimmel, Atlanta Dream
- 2013: Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
- 2011: Swin Cash, Seattle Storm
- 2009: Swin Cash, Seattle Storm
- 2007: Cheryl Ford, Detroit Shock
- 2006: Katie Douglas, Connecticut Sun
- 2005: Sheryl Swoopes, Houston Comets
- 2003: Nikki Teasley, Los Angeles Sparks
- 2002: Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks
- 2001: Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks
- 2000: Tina Thompson, Houston Comets
- 1999: Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks
Las Vegas Aces probe yielded 'insufficient evidence'
The WNBA made injury reports more accessible to fans in a new way this season. When asked about how the league can similarly improve transparency and clarity as it pertains to other areas like investigations, fines and suspensions, commissioner Cathy Engelbert was vague, saying that the league follows "specific processes" and does not react based on social media.
In response to a follow-up question about the two-year long investigation into the Aces' $100,000 sponsorships, she said there is "insufficient evidence at this time to establish a salary cap circumvention violation and no discipline will be recommended or imposed."
WNBA launching replay center in 2027
The WNBA is launching a “fully centralized” replay center beginning with the 2027 WNBA season to help improve “efficiency and transparency” in the officiating process, commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced during a news conference before the game.
"This is one of the most significant investments we've ever made in our basketball operations," Engelbert said. "This investment of tens of millions of dollars will help bring greater consistency, efficiency, and transparency to our officiating process while continuing to improve the quality of the game.
"So obviously our big brothers, the NBA, have had a replay center for many years, so we'll leverage some of their replay center capabilities and add some innovation of our own and it'll help elevate our on-court product even more."
A'ja Wilson compliments Olivia Miles: 'You're a star'
A'ja Wilson was heaped praise on Team Spoon teammate Olivia Miles ahead of the All-Star Game.
"You're a star. For real. You're a star," Wilson said. "You're gonna have a really, really good career in this league, not only because of your game, of course, but the way that you carry yourself off the court. I love how unapologetic you are, and I think that's always gonna (get you) far in life. Honestly, your skill and your vision — with me playing with the 'The Point Gawd' (Chelsea Gray) — it's a lot of similarities there, and I know you guys have heard that, but it's real. And that doesn't come by often so, as you continue to grow, as you continue to be in this league, (you're going) to find even more ways to still get to your spots and crush it, and that's going to be exciting to see. So, yeah, congrats on your first All-Star."
"I mean...you're a star" -A'ja Wilsom
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 25, 2026
Wilson speaks on how impressed she is on rookie All-Star, Olivia Miles ahead of tonight's game 🫶#WNBAAllStar2026 | @ATT pic.twitter.com/OuQ0XYLVGR
Caitlin Clark arrives in orange
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark arrived on the orange carpet ahead of the WNBA All-Star Game in a matching orange set. The three-time All-Star said she's "excited" to get out on the court after being sidelined with an injury during last year's All-Star Game in Indianapolis.
All the feels 🤗
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 25, 2026
Caitlin Clark is feeling excited as she steps on the scene for tonight's All-Star game!#WNBAAllStar2026 | @ATT pic.twitter.com/q7phisqntp
Awa Fam hypes up Dominique Malonga
Who needs paparazzi when you have a teammate like Awa Fam. As first-time All-Star Dominique Malonga arrived at the United Center, Seattle Storm teammate Awa Fam was the ultimate hype man and snapped photos of her fit.
Hype your bestie up 😛@seattlestorm’s Awa Fam and Dominique Malonga showing each other some love!#WNBAAllStar2026 | @ATT pic.twitter.com/OlOAEKIRG8
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 25, 2026
A'ja Wilson wears A'Two outfit
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson took a page from her own playbook and donned a look inspired by her pink A’Two sneakers, a nod to Wilson's favorite color.
A'fit 🤩
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 25, 2026
A’ja Wilson arrives in a head-to-toe A’Two-inspired look before taking the floor with Team Spoon!#WNBAAllStar2026 | @ATT pic.twitter.com/Np82xgnnnm
Angel Reese arrives in Barbie pink
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese is a Barbie girl in a Barbie world. Reese arrived at the WNBA All-Star Game in a Barbie pink outfit, a nod to her recently-released signature Barbie doll.
Reese has been nicknamed the Bayou Barbie since playing at LSU, where she brought the program its first national championship in 2023. She debuted her new doll at WNBA All-Star Weekend — a full-circle moment for the three-time All-Star.
"I really wanted to have a Barbie doll one day and to have a Barbie, you got to be iconic. You have to do some real things," Reese said on Friday. "I knew it was going to take some time because there's so many great women that are Barbie dolls and they have their own doll, but I knew that's what I wanted. And I spoke that into existence."
All-Star Barbie has entered the chat 
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 25, 2026
Angel Reese arrives with a fresh pink look before taking the floor for Team Coop in her third straight WNBA All-Star appearance.@ATT | #WNBAAllStar2026 pic.twitter.com/Xdmz5yV9JU
Marina Mabrey, Kahleah Copper in the building
Team Coop All-Stars Marina Mabrey and Kahleah Copper are ready for game time.
That All-Star drip 💧
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 25, 2026
Marina Mabrey and Kahleah Copper are stepping out in style! Marina is set to make her first All-Star appearance tonight on Team Coop.@ATT | #WNBAAllStar2026 pic.twitter.com/JiNFbIGWcv
Caitlin Clark teases 'favorite' Caitlin 1 colorway shoe
It looks like Caitlin Clark has one more sneakerfor All-Star weekend, and she's already picked a favorite.
The Indiana Fever guard posted photos of a new Nike Caitlin 1 signature shoe to Instagram, a player exclusive that runs gold at the toe and bleeds to hot pick at the heel. Translucent blue outsole. Chrome and blue swiishes. A little red heart charm dangles off the laces. "I think these will be a favorite," Clark wrote.
She may well wear them Saturday night. Clark captains Team Spoon, named for Teresa Weatherspoon, against Team Coop, named for Cynthia Cooper, at the United Center in Chicago. Tipoff is 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, and the league is using the night to mark 30 years of the WNBA. Read Kristie Ackert's full story here.
Caitlin Clark shares her potential WNBA All-Star Game colorway of the Nike Caitlin 1 👀 pic.twitter.com/ye9bYsF2uN
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) July 25, 2026
Team Coop 'all about scoring', Cynthia Cooper says
As part of the league's 30th season celebration, WNBA legends Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon are serving as honorary general managers for the All-Star Game. Cooper is confident her team is going to run up the score: “The thing about me, I’m all about scoring. So, 200 to 203 (points) is fine with me."
During the 2026 WNBA All-Star Draft earlier this month, Cooper said of her team: "We're balanced. We play defense. Yep. We're running the floor. We're knocking down threes and we are getting it going for the 2026 All-Star Game."
Cathy Engelbert spotted on StudBudz live stream
The StudBudz caught up with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert during their 72-hour WNBA All-Star live stream on Saturday, July 25, at the State Farm Celebrity 3-point contest. Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman, who forms half of the StudBudz duo with Lynx guard Courtney Williams, gave Engelbert a hug and asked whether she planned to attend any after parties following the All-Star Game.
"We gonna see you outside tonight again?" Hiedeman asked. "We dancin' again? Round two… you already know."
Courtney Williams to Natisha Hiedeman:
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) July 25, 2026
"You see Cathy [Engelbert] over there? Go give Cathy a hug."
Hiedeman to Cathy Engelbert:
"We gonna see you outside tonight again? We dancin' again, round two… you already know."pic.twitter.com/YD7VZg7SBb
'Just get over it': Diana Taurasi addresses WNBA referee controversy
Diana Taurasi has thoughts about the discourse surrounding the WNBA's officiating.
On Saturday, July 25 during the league's All-Star weekend, Taurasi attended an Aflac and Togethxr "Queens of the Court" panel with South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley, Indiana Fever guard Raven Johnson and Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride. The panel, hosted by women's sports champion Ari Chambers, covered several topics on the state of women's basketball.
Along with the rest of the panel, Taurasi, who won three WNBA titles, earned league MVP honors in 2009 and was a 10-time first-team WNBA selection, chimed in with thoughts, "hot takes" and commentary, but her stance on the league referees and the chatter surrounding them felt especially noteworthy. Read Meghan L. Hall's full story here.
2026 WNBA All-Star Game rosters
Team Coop
Head Coach: Becky Hammon
General Manager: Cynthia Cooper
Starters
- Dallas Wings G Paige Bueckers
- New York Liberty F Breanna Stewart
- Indiana Fever G Kelsey Mitchell
- Minnesota Lynx F Natasha Howard
- Golden State Valkyries F Gabby Williams
Reserves
- Atlanta Dream F Angel Reese
- Toronto Tempo G Marina Mabrey
- Seattle Storm C Dominique Malonga
- *Los Angeles Sparks G Kelsey Plum (Replaced by Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper)
- Las Vegas Aces G Jackie Young
- Washington Mystics G Sonia Citron
Team Spoon
- Head Coach: Cheryl Reeve
- General Manager: Teresa Weatherspoon
Starters
- Indiana Fever G Caitlin Clark
- Las Vegas Aces C A'ja Wilson
- Minnesota Lynx G Olivia Miles
- Indiana Fever C Aliyah Boston
- Dallas Wings F Jessica Shepard
Reserves
- Atlanta Dream G Rhyne Howard
- Atlanta Dream G Allisha Gray:
- New York Liberty F Jonquel Jones
- Courtney Williams G Minnesota Lynx
- Washington Mystics F Kiki Iriafen:
- Los Angeles Sparks F Nneka Ogwumike
*Not participating due to injury
Kahleah Copper replaces injured Kelsey Plum in WNBA All-Star Game
Kahleah Copper is an All-Star after all.
The Phoenix Mercury guard-forward was named to the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game on Wednesday as a replacement for injured Los Angeles Sparksguard Kelsey Plum, taking her spot on Team Coop, the league announced. Under league rules, commissioner Cathy Engelbert names replacements for injured All-Stars.
Azzi Fudd wins WNBA 3-point contest
Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd defeated Bridget Carleton of the Portland Fire in the final round of the WNBA’s 3-point Shooting Contest on Friday night in Chicago by a score of 30-19. Fudd — the No. 1 overall pick out of UConn in the 2026 WNBA Draft — is the first rookie to win the contest.
Sabrina Ionescu’s record of 37 points in the shootout still stands. Fudd would embrace the chance to contest the mark next season.
“If they’ll have me," Fudd said. "I’d be honored to be here again … that’s not up to me.”
Team Washington wins Shooting Stars
Team Washington won the Shooting Stars contest in Chicago on Friday night, defeating Team Seattle 31-24. Washington – comprised of Hall of Famer Elena Delle Donne, Mystics center Shakira Austin and 2027 high school recruit Jezelle "GG" Banks – defeated a Seattle team that included Hall of Famer Lauren Jackson, Storm rookie Flau’Jae Johnson and 2028 high school recruit Tatianna Griffin.
Competitors had to make shots from seven different spots on the floor in the span of 70 seconds, with each spot representing a different point value. Banks, the fourth-ranked recruit by ESPN who is in Chicago to compete in the Nike Nationals AAU tournament, knocked down a pair of 4-point shots from deep range to seal the win.
“I got pros and a legend on my squad, so that put confidence in me," Banks said. "I felt like I could do anything.”
Where is WNBA All-Star weekend 2027?
The league hasn't announced the location of the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game just yet.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA All-Star Game LIVE score updates: Caitlin Clark, Marina Mabrey heating up






