All-Star weekend is always a busy couple of days for the WNBA, and this year’s iteration was no exception.
On Friday, the Shooting Stars competition and 3-Point Contest occurred—and both lived up to the hype.
There were plenty of worthy shooters involved in the 3-Point Contest, but in the end, Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd took home the trophy. She became the first rookie ever to win the competition. She had 24 points in the first round and then upped the ante, scoring 30 in the final.
Fudd’s 30-point performance defeated the Portland Fire’s Bridget Carleton, who had just 19 points in the final round after scoring 27 points in the first round.
The four other participants who were eliminated in the opening round included the Atlanta Dream’s Rhyne Howard (20), Toronto Tempo’s Marina Mabrey (18), Seattle Storm’s Natisha Heideman (17) and Golden State Valkyries’ Janelle Salaün (19).
Once Carleton was done and Fudd was officially the winner, she was embraced by players at halfcourt and showered with water, which she didn’t seem to be enthused about.
After her victory, she credited her parents for her performance in the 3-Point Contest.
Team Washington wins Shooting Stars
The Shooting Stars competition was fascinating new addition to WNBA All-Star 2026.
There were four teams, each representing WNBA cities: Minnesota, Seattle, Washington and Dallas/Detroit.
The scoring was fast and furious, but entertaining.
Team Washington, comprising of WNBA player Shakira Austin, WNBA legend Elena Delle Donne and Nike EYBL high schooler Jezelle “GG” Banks, won it all.
After totaling a dominating 35 points in the first round, Washington faced Seattle, featuring Flau’jae Johnson, Lauren Jackson and Tatianna Griffin, in the final round and beat them 31-24.
Given the pace of the shooting and the opportunity for future stars, current stars and former stars alike to come together, the Shooting Stars competition should be here to stay.
Obama visits the All-Stars
Before the Friday night festivities at Wintrust Arena, the Obama Presidential Center was the place to be in Chicago as the WNBA All-Stars practiced.
The focus was on the players, but when the former President Barack Obama stepped onto the scene, it certainly changed things.
Obama was seen mingling with everyone.
He told Caitlin Clark, “Don’t lose that joy,” for basketball. Obama tried to guard Jonquel Jones, and then he reminded Kiki Iriafen that they have 44 in common since he’s the 44th president, and that’s her jersey number.
It seems Obama is just like the rest of us and gets enamored seeing the stars up close. This was a great moment that took what was already a special time and made it even better.
Now, it’s time for the big event: Saturday night’s WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center. Here’s hoping it’s one of the best ones we’ve had in a while.
