Record crowds and historic milestones mark 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend amid league leadership scrutiny
The WNBA’s 2026 All-Star Weekend concluded at Chicago’s United Center with significant on-court achievements, though the event was overshadowed by questions surrounding Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s tenure and the host team’s absence.
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend concluded at Chicago’s United Center, drawing a record attendance of 19,783 spectators for a weekend defined by historic performances and underlying institutional tensions. Team Spoon, captained by Caitlin Clark, defeated Team Coop, led by Cynthia Cooper, with a score of 129-122. The event showcased the league’s commercial growth, yet it also highlighted governance challenges, particularly regarding the leadership of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who faced significant scrutiny and boos from the crowd during the trophy presentation.
Jonquel Jones secured the All-Star Game MVP award, recording 22 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists to become the first player in league history to win the MVP, Finals MVP, Commissioner's Cup MVP, and All-Star MVP titles. Jones, who also holds Most Improved Player and Sixth Player of the Year honours, dedicated her performance to her late aunt. Her victory was part of a balanced offensive effort by Team Spoon, which featured eight players scoring in double figures. Rookie Olivia Miles, selected by the Minnesota Lynx via the Chicago Sky’s 2026 first-round pick, started for Team Spoon and recorded 11 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.
Individual competitions also produced historic results, with rookie Azzi Fudd winning the 3-Point Contest. Fudd scored 30 points in the championship round, tying for the second-most in contest history and becoming the first rookie, first Wings player, and first UConn alum to claim the title. In the All-Star Game, Dominique Malonga became the youngest player in WNBA history to dunk, a feat not seen since Sylvia Fowles in 2022. Malonga, aged 20, is the third-youngest All-Star in league history.
Off the court, the event was marked by controversy surrounding WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. An ESPN report cited high-ranking team sources expecting this to be Engelbert’s final season, citing criticism over her relationship with players. During a pre-game press conference, Engelbert was evasive regarding her future, and she faced deafening boos at the United Center when presenting the MVP trophy. Despite overseeing a period of hypergrowth since taking office in 2019, the commissioner’s tenure appears increasingly precarious.
The host franchise, the Chicago Sky, faced further embarrassment with no players participating in any All-Star Weekend events, including the game, Shooting Stars competition, or 3-Point Contest. The Sky, currently in 13th place with a 9-18 record, are five and a half games behind the final playoff spot. Their absence was compounded by logistical failures; their planned practice facility, originally scheduled to open in December 2025, remains incomplete, forcing All-Star practice to be held at The Obama Presidential Center. Meanwhile, Team Washington won the inaugural Shooting Stars competition.
