Chicago hosted the W.N.B.A. All-Star Weekend for the first time since 2022, showcasing significant growth in the league’s midseason event. On Saturday, the All-Star Game drew a record crowd of 19,783 spectators to the United Center, marking a notable shift from the smaller venues used in prior years, including the empty convention center where the skills competitions were held four years ago.
Team Spoon defeated Team Coop 129-122, with New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones earning Most Valuable Player honors. Jones delivered a standout performance with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists, becoming the first player in league history to receive MVP awards for the W.N.B.A. league, Finals, Commissioner’s Cup, and All-Star Game. Jones dedicated her achievement to her late aunt, whose memorial service took place that weekend, noting that she consulted with family before deciding to compete.
The weekend emphasized the community aspect of the league, bringing players, coaches, and fans together in a celebratory atmosphere. Chicago’s favorable weather and strong fan turnout were highlights, with many attendees lining up for hours to meet players. In contrast to the tense labor negotiations that overshadowed the 2025 All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, Chicago’s event was characterized by a more positive tone.
Players also engaged in unique experiences, including a practice session at the Obama Presidential Center and a meeting with former President Barack Obama, providing a memorable moment for those involved.
One of the much-anticipated moments came from Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga, the youngest All-Star at 20 years old. Malonga delivered a thunderous dunk during the second quarter, a play that had been widely awaited and helped highlight her 12-point, 13-rebound double-double, making her the youngest player in All-Star history to achieve that feat.
Marina Mabrey, representing the Toronto Tempo for her first All-Star appearance, captured attention with her prolific three-point shooting. Her five three-pointers in a single quarter energized the crowd, further boosting her growing profile within the league.
However, the weekend was less favorable for the host city’s team, the Chicago Sky. None of their players participated in the skills competitions or the All-Star Game. Meanwhile, former Chicago players were prominently featured on other teams—including Elena Delle Donne, who won the Shooting Stars challenge with Team Washington, as well as Kahleah Copper, Courtney Williams, and Angel Reese, who represented various franchises.
Plans to debut the Sky’s new practice facility were delayed due to construction setbacks, pushing the project’s opening to 2027, denying Chicago the opportunity to showcase recent developments for its home team during the event. Despite this, the overall weekend was widely regarded as a success for the league’s growth and the city’s fan engagement.