WNBA All-Star Weekend opens in Chicago with 3-point contest and inaugural Shooting Stars event
Marina Mabrey and Azzi Fudd headline the 3-point shooting competition, while the new Shooting Stars format replaces the traditional Skills Challenge.
The WNBA’s 2026 All-Star Weekend commenced on Friday night at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena, marking the league’s 30th anniversary with a blend of established tradition and new programming. The opening events featured the 3-point contest and the inaugural Shooting Stars competition, which has replaced the league’s traditional Skills Challenge. The festivities are scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN and available via live stream on fubo, with the main events set for Saturday, July 24, at 8 p.m. ET.
The 3-point contest field has drawn attention for the absence of high-profile stars such as Sabrina Ionescu, Caitlin Clark, and Kayla McBride. Ionescu stated that she never received an official invitation to the event, while McBride claimed she was issued a “half-ass invite.” Despite the controversy, the competition features a lineup including this season’s 3-point shooting leader Marina Mabrey, the No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd, and Natisha Hiedeman.
Mabrey, who was selected in the expansion draft by the Toronto Tempo and is making her first All-Star appearance, has been tipped by analysts Lindsay Gibbs and Jack Maloney to win the contest. Gibbs cited Mabrey’s experience and enthusiasm, noting her motivation to perform well in front of the Chicago crowd after previous stints with the local franchise. Maloney highlighted Mabrey’s previous experience in the event and her status as one of the league’s premier shooters.
Conversely, analyst Isabel Gonzalez has backed Azzi Fudd, pointing to the rookie’s impeccable shooting form and quick release as potential advantages. While acknowledging that nerves could be a factor for a first-time All-Star, Gonzalez suggested that Fudd’s technical proficiency could allow her to compete with any veteran in the field.
The new Shooting Stars competition features four teams representing Minnesota, Seattle, Washington, and Dallas/Detroit. Each squad is composed of a retired WNBA legend, a current player, and a high school athlete from the Nike EYBL. The high school participants include Jezelle "GG" Banks, Ryan Carter, Tatianna Griffin, and Morghan Reckley, with team assignments for these athletes not yet finalised as of Friday morning.
