CHICAGO — WNBA All-Star Weekend returned to Chicago for the first time since 2022, and the event was almost unrecognizable only four years later.The league’s growth manifests most clearly in the size and scope of its midseason showcase. In 2022, the skills competitions were played in an empty convention center; in 2026, the All-Star Game set an attendance record with 19,783 fans, packing an NBA arena instead of the Chicago Sky’s usual home of Wintrust Arena.“It seems to top itself year after year,” Nneka Ogwumike said after playing in her 11th All-Star Game.The weekend is an exhibition of what the league does best: bringing its community together and showing off the WNBA’s increasingly talented stars. But some shined brighter than others. Here’s a look back at the 2026 All-Star Weekend, and who made out best during the league’s midseason break.Winner: City of ChicagoThe atmosphere in Chicago could not have been more perfect for the 2026 All-Star weekend. The weather was beautiful, and the city showed out for the events, itching for an opportunity to participate in a meaningful way. In addition to filling out the United Center, fans lined up for hours to meet with the stars at WNBA Live and activations throughout the week.In 2025, anxiety permeated Indianapolis as the All-Star Weekend kicked off a contentious period of CBA negotiations. Chicago was all joy and sunshine.The setting also provided an opportunity for the All-Stars to practice at the Obama Presidential Center and meet the former president, a deeply personal moment for players and coaches. In what has been a turbulent WNBA season, it was a purely celebratory day that added extra meaning to earning the All-Star nod.Loser: The Chicago SkyWhile their city put on a memorable showcase, Chicago’s home team faded into the background during the festivities. There were no Sky participants in the Friday skills competitions or the All-Star Game. To twist the knife, several former Chicago players showed out: Elena Delle Donne won the Shooting Stars challenge for Team Washington, Marina Mabrey earned her first All-Star nod as a member of the Toronto Tempo, and Kahleah Copper, Courtney Williams and Angel Reese all made appearances representing different franchises.All-Star Weekend was also supposed to be the Sky’s chance to show off their new practice facility, much like the Phoenix Mercury did in 2024. It proved a powerful free-agency recruiting tool for the Mercury. Instead, construction delays and evolving plans delayed the opening to 2027, and the WNBA’s finest got to enjoy the Obama Presidential Center rather than associate the weekend directly with Chicago’s franchise.Winner: Azzi FuddThe No. 1 draft pick may not have been voted an All-Star — the first time in five years that hasn’t happened for the top pick — but the Dallas Wings guard still made her mark on the weekend. Fudd has shown off a deep bag of skills in her first WNBA season; she’s fifth in the league in steals and routinely guards the opposing team’s best perimeter player. But her jump shot, which has been blessed by the NBA 3-point king Stephen Curry himself, is what captured the national imagination.