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The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago delivered unforgettable moments on the court and significant milestones across the league, highlighted by historic performances from emerging stars and seasoned veterans alike. From rookie feats in the perimeter shootout to dominant double-doubles in the main showcase, the league’s midseason showcase put elite talent on full display at Wintrust Arena.
According to league reports, the weekend’s marquee events captured massive global attention as Team Spoon defeated Team Coop 129-122 in the All-Star game on July 26, 2026. Beyond the final score, four major figures emerged as the definitive winners of the weekend’s competitions, showcases, and media moments.
Azzi Fudd Makes History in Three-Point Contest
Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd made league history during Friday night’s perimeter shooting competition by becoming the first rookie ever to win the WNBA All-Star Three-Point Contest. Fudd drained 17 of 27 attempts in the opening round before heating up in the finals to edge out Portland Fire guard Bridget Carleton with a stellar score of 30, connecting on 21 of 27 shots.
“It’s fun to do because — and I don’t want to sound cocky — but it’s easy to me, just the set shot,” Fudd said after securing the victory and a $70,000 cash prize. “Take the ball from the rack; it really is muscle memory. It’s what I’ve been doing since I was young.”
Fudd has carried that shooting touch into her debut professional campaign, maintaining a 38.7% clip from beyond the arc. Her victory cemented her status as one of the premier young shooters in the sport.
Dominique Malonga Joins Rare Dunking Company
Seattle Storm sophomore Dominique Malonga provided the most explosive highlight of Saturday night’s All-Star game by throwing down a breakaway slam for the first regular-game dunk of her WNBA career. The 20-year-old French phenom finished the exhibition with 12 points and 13 rebounds, adding to a superb sophomore campaign where she is averaging 16.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while shooting 47.6% from the field.
By throwing down the open-court slam, Malonga joined an exclusive list of players in league history who have successfully dunked in game action, alongside Lisa Leslie, Jonquel Jones, Brittney Griner, and Sylvia Fowles. Her ascendance underscores the growing athleticism and skill level driving the modern game forward.
Jonquel Jones Claims All-Star MVP Honors
New York Liberty star Jonquel Jones added another historic accolade to her resume by winning the All-Star Game MVP award after putting up 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. With the victory, Jones became the only player in WNBA history to capture four distinct MVP awards, having previously won regular-season MVP in 2021, Commissioner’s Cup MVP in 2023, and Finals MVP in 2024.
“This is everything that I dreamed for, that I dreamed about, that I wanted as a little kid,” Jones said on the court after accepting the hardware, speaking to her lifelong dedication to basketball.
Jones’ weekend also drew headlines away from the hardwood following a viral comment on a player-led livestream regarding the 2024 championship race. Addressing the emotional response publicly on Saturday, Jones clarified her remarks: “What I said, it didn’t really come out in the way that I meant it. What I was just saying is that you can have a team that has a lot of chemistry, that is great on paper, that has had a great season, and it’s still not enough to get it done, and that’s what I was trying to explain to her with that whole clip.”
Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman Expand Fan Engagement
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams and Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman successfully hosted the second consecutive iteration of their viral 24/7 livestream, providing unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the league’s marquee weekend. Despite generating lighthearted social media buzz and occasional controversy, the stream offered fans an intimate look at player interactions away from standard media obligations.
Both players maintained active on-court schedules during the event. Williams appeared in her third All-Star Game, contributing 12 points and 7 assists in 19 minutes off the bench, while Hiedeman showcased her shooting range by competing in the Three-Point Contest.
With the 2026 midsummer showcase concluded, teams return to regular-season action as the playoff race intensifies across the league. Fans and analysts can follow official league updates, box scores, and standings through the official WNBA schedule and broadcast networks.
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