The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game delivered exactly what fans hoped for during the league’s landmark 30th season a celebration of the game’s biggest stars, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments. In front of a sold-out, record-setting crowd of 19,783 at Chicago’s United Center, Team Spoon defeated Team Coop 129-122 in an offensive showcase that featured long-range shooting, highlight-reel plays, and plenty of history.
Leading the way was New York Liberty star Jonquel Jones, who produced one of the finest All-Star performances ever with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists to earn MVP honors. Playing while grieving the recent loss of her aunt, Jones delivered an emotional performance that capped an already remarkable career.
With the award, Jones became the first player in WNBA history to win league MVP, WNBA Finals MVP, Commissioner’s Cup MVP, and All-Star Game MVP.
While Jones controlled the game inside and out, Team Spoon showcased its incredible depth with eight players finishing in double figures.
Allisha Gray added 19 points, while Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark scored 17 points and handed out five assists in her return to the All-Star Game after missing last year’s showcase because of a groin injury.
Clark wasted little time making her presence felt. The 24-year-old guard erupted for 11 points in the opening 2½ minutes, drilling three-pointers from 33 and 37 feet to electrify the United Center crowd. She later knocked down another deep triple off a dazzling no-look pass from Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles, the only first-year player selected to this year’s All-Star Game.
Clark finished 5-of-15 from beyond the arc as Team Spoon continuously stretched Team Coop’s defense with its perimeter shooting.
Veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike also added 11 points while making history of her own. The future Hall of Famer surpassed Maya Moore’s previous record of 119 career All-Star points, becoming the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer in All-Star Game history.
Despite the loss, Team Coop put together an explosive offensive performance. Kelsey Mitchell poured in a game-high 28 points, while Marina Mabrey caught fire during the opening half, scoring all 23 of her points before halftime as she traded long-distance baskets with Clark throughout the evening.
One of the night’s brightest young stars was Seattle Storm rookie Dominique Malonga. The 20-year-old center finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds, but it was one spectacular play that had everyone talking.
Midway through the second quarter, Angel Reese found the 6-foot-6 Malonga sprinting down the lane. Malonga rose and hammered home a powerful right-handed dunk, bringing the crowd to its feet as Reese celebrated with an enthusiastic midair chest bump.
The slam marked the first dunk in a WNBA All-Star Game since Sylvia Fowles accomplished the feat in 2022. Malonga joined an exclusive group that includes Lisa Leslie (2005), Jonquel Jones (2017), Brittney Griner (2019), and Fowles.
The All-Star festivities highlighted just how far the WNBA has come in its 30th season. Chicago hosted its first All-Star Game since 2022, but this year’s event moved from Wintrust Arena to the much larger United Center, where a record crowd of 19,783 witnessed one of the highest-scoring All-Star Games in league history.
Defense was largely optional as both teams combined to attempt an astounding 127 three-pointers, providing nonstop entertainment for the fans.
The teams were drafted by WNBA legends Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon, with Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon guiding Team Coop and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve leading Team Spoon.
The evening also featured appearances from several basketball icons, including Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, and former NBA champion Dwyane Wade.
Not every highlight came on offense. Four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson accidentally delivered one of the funniest plays of the night when she unintentionally blocked Angel Reese during the second quarter. Backpedaling with her hands raised to avoid defending the play, Wilson still managed to swat Reese’s layup attempt away. Realizing what had happened, Wilson immediately covered her mouth in disbelief while laughing as the crowd erupted.
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game perfectly captured the league’s continued rise in popularity and talent. Between Jones’ historic MVP performance, Ogwumike’s scoring milestone, Malonga’s electrifying dunk, Clark’s deep shooting display, and a record-setting attendance figure, the celebration showcased both established legends and the next generation of stars.
As the WNBA celebrates its 30th season, the league continues to reach new heights, and Saturday night’s All-Star Game served as another reminder that women’s basketball has never been more exciting.
