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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. For a little bity of nostalgia, here's Fowles' dunk:End of Q1: Team Spoon 35, Team Coop 34It'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.Marina Mabrey statsMarina 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. Caitlin Clark knocks down deep 3-pointersIndiana 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.Caitlin Clark All-Star statsClark 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 offWe'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 25Time: 8:30 p.m. ETHow to watch WNBA All-Star GameThe 2026 WNBA All-Star Game will be televised nationwide on ABC and streamed on Disney+TV channel: ABCStreaming options: Disney+Watch WNBA All-Star on FuboHolly Rowe gets emotional introducing WNBA legendsThe 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 strategyThe 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 CitronKiki 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.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 SpoonTeam 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.First Look: Team CoopTeam Coop, named after honorary general manager Cynthia Cooper, are rocking red for the WNBA All-Star Game.WNBA All-Star MVPs, by year2025: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx2024: Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings2023: Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm2022: Kelsey Plum, Las Vegas Aces2021: Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings2019: Erica Wheeler, Indiana Fever2018: Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx2017: Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx2015: Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx2014: Shoni Schimmel, Atlanta Dream2013: Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks2011: Swin Cash, Seattle Storm2009: Swin Cash, Seattle Storm2007: Cheryl Ford, Detroit Shock2006: Katie Douglas, Connecticut Sun2005: Sheryl Swoopes, Houston Comets2003: Nikki Teasley, Los Angeles Sparks2002: Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks2001: Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks2000: Tina Thompson, Houston Comets1999: Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles SparksLas 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 2027The 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."Caitlin Clark arrives in orangeIndiana 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.Awa Fam hypes up Dominique MalongaWho 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.A'ja Wilson wears A'Two outfitLas 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.Angel Reese arrives in Barbie pinkAtlanta 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."Marina Mabrey, Kahleah Copper in the buildingTeam Coop All-Stars Marina Mabrey and Kahleah Copper are ready for game time.Caitlin Clark teases 'favorite' Caitlin 1 colorway shoeIt looks like Caitlin Clark has one more sneaker for 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.Team Coop 'all about scoring', Cynthia Cooper saysAs 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 streamThe 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."'Just get over it': Diana Taurasi addresses WNBA referee controversyDiana 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 rostersTeam CoopHead Coach: Becky HammonGeneral Manager: Cynthia CooperStartersDallas Wings G Paige BueckersNew York Liberty F Breanna StewartIndiana Fever G Kelsey MitchellMinnesota Lynx F Natasha HowardGolden State Valkyries F Gabby WilliamsReservesAtlanta Dream F Angel ReeseToronto Tempo G Marina MabreySeattle Storm C Dominique Malonga*Los Angeles Sparks G Kelsey Plum (Replaced by Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper)Las Vegas Aces G Jackie YoungWashington Mystics G Sonia CitronTeam SpoonHead Coach: Cheryl ReeveGeneral Manager: Teresa WeatherspoonStartersIndiana Fever G Caitlin ClarkLas Vegas Aces C A'ja WilsonMinnesota Lynx G Olivia MilesIndiana Fever C Aliyah BostonDallas Wings F Jessica ShepardReservesAtlanta Dream G Rhyne HowardAtlanta Dream G Allisha Gray:New York Liberty F Jonquel JonesCourtney Williams G Minnesota LynxWashington Mystics F Kiki Iriafen:Los Angeles Sparks F Nneka Ogwumike*Not participating due to injuryKahleah Copper replaces injured Kelsey Plum in WNBA All-Star GameKahleah 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 contestDallas 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 StarsTeam 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.The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
