WNBA All-Star winners and losers include Nneka Ogwumike, league commissioner - USA Today

What the report says

USA Today reported that the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago delivered a high-scoring showcase, with Team Spoon beating Team Coop 129-122 at the United Center on Saturday, July 25. The outlet said the game drew 19,783 fans, described as a record All-Star crowd, and framed the weekend as a successful celebration for the league during its 30th season after recent turbulence around labor talks and league controversies.

Among USA Today’s “winners” was Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, who made her 11th All-Star appearance, tying Diana Taurasi for second-most in league history. Ogwumike scored 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds, moving to 127 career All-Star points and passing Maya Moore for the all-time WNBA All-Star scoring lead. Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga also stood out by dunking in the first half, joining a short list of players to dunk in a WNBA All-Star Game. New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones was highlighted after adding All-Star MVP honors to previous WNBA regular-season, Commissioner’s Cup and Finals MVP awards.

The report listed WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert among the “losers” after she was booed while presenting the All-Star MVP trophy. USA Today noted that Engelbert has faced scrutiny from players and fans over issues including online abuse, officiating and player relations, and said she avoided direct answers on job security and transparency at her news conference.

Other low points cited included the host Chicago Sky having no current players in the game, limited minutes for fan favorites Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston, and a halftime performance by Tyla that USA Today said lost energy after a strong start.