WNBA All-Star: History & Stars
WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago Blends History with Star Power in Captain-Based Draft
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Key Points
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Coaches named for the All-Star teams: Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota Lynx) led Team Spoon and Becky Hammon (Las Vegas Aces) led Team Coop.
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Captain-based draft format: The rosters were built by captains Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon, pairing league legends with today’s top players to maximize on-court chemistry.
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30th-anniversary celebration: The weekend doubled as the WNBA’s 30th anniversary, with ESPN broadcaster Holly Rowe leading tributes and introductions of past stars such as Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Rebecca Lobo.
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Halftime highlights and top performances: Marina Mabrey scored a game-high 23 points in 13 minutes for Team Coop, Caitlin Clark had 14 points for Team Spoon, Jonquel Jones was near a triple-double with 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and Team Spoon led by 17 at the break with multiple players in double digits.
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Top vote-getters and team assignments: Paige Bueckers, the top vote-getter, was placed on Team Coop, while Caitlin Clark, the second-most votes, joined Team Spoon.
Jonquel Jones delivered a stunning all-around performance to win MVP honors at the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, as Team Spoon defeated Team Coop 129-122 before a record crowd of 19,783 at the United Center in Chicago, according to Daily Herald. Jones scored 22 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out eight assists — nearly a triple-double — before dedicating the award to her late aunt, who died recently.
The All-Star weekend also served as the league's 30th anniversary celebration, blending WNBA history with its brightest current stars. Chicago hosted the All-Star Game for the first time since 2022, Fox News reported, and the record attendance underscored the sport's surging popularity.
Jonquel Jones Wins MVP With an Emotional Dedication
Jones was the clear standout of the game. Her 22-point, 13-rebound, eight-assist line powered Team Spoon to the win, according to WTOP. After receiving the MVP trophy, an emotional Jones dedicated the honor to her late aunt. It was a rare moment of personal weight at an event known for its celebratory atmosphere.
Caitlin Clark added 14 points for Team Spoon, giving the team another offensive spark, Daily Herald reported. The two stars helped Team Spoon pull away in the second half after a competitive first two quarters.
Marina Mabrey Lit Up the First Half for Team Coop
Team Coop put up a serious fight, largely thanks to Marina Mabrey. Mabrey scored a game-high 23 points in just 13 minutes of play, making her one of the most electric performers of the entire weekend. Team Coop held its own through the first half before Team Spoon pulled ahead for good.
Paige Bueckers, the top overall vote-getter among fans, played for Team Coop. Caitlin Clark, who drew the second-most votes, suited up for Team Spoon. The rosters were built by captains Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon, pairing WNBA legends with today's top players, Fox News noted.
Captain Format Pairs WNBA Legends With Today's Stars
The All-Star Game used a captain-based draft format. Teresa Weatherspoon led Team Spoon. Cynthia Cooper captained Team Coop. Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx coached Team Spoon, while Becky Hammon of the Las Vegas Aces coached Team Coop. The format was designed to build on-court chemistry between generations of players.
The rosters featured a who's-who of the modern WNBA. A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones all took the floor. The mix of former MVPs and champions made for a showcase of the league's depth, TSN reported.
30th Anniversary Tributes and Obama Visit Highlight the Weekend
The All-Star weekend doubled as a celebration of the WNBA's 30th anniversary. ESPN broadcaster Holly Rowe led tributes and introduced past stars including Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Rebecca Lobo. The ceremony honored the pioneers who built the league into what it is today.
Former President Barack Obama also attended the festivities, adding to the marquee feel of the event. Team Spoon's 129-122 final win capped off a weekend that married the league's storied past with its star-powered present, according to News-Gazette.
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