Full Breakdown
Jonquel Jones MVP, Dominique Malonga Dunk, and the Chicago Sky’s All-Star Absence Define the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend
7/27/2026, 8:24:40 AM
Core Event: Record-setting All-Star Game in Chicago
On July 25, the WNBA’s 30th-season All-Star Game returned to Chicago’s United Center, drawing a league-record crowd of 19,783. Team Spoon defeated Team Coop 129-122. New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones posted 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in 22 minutes, earning All-Star MVP and becoming the first player to capture the regular-season MVP, Finals MVP, Commissioner's Cup MVP and All-Star MVP. Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga (20) added 12 points, 13 rebounds and a dunk that made her the youngest player—and the seventh overall—to dunk in an All-Star Game.
Background & Context
The weekend also featured the inaugural Shooting Stars competition (won by Team Washington) and the 3-Point Contest, where No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd became the first rookie to claim the title. Chicago hosted the All-Star festivities for the second time in five seasons, but the Sky’s practice facility, slated for a December 2025 opening, remained unfinished, forcing the team to continue using Wintrust Arena and leaving the Sky without on-court representation.
Data & Statistics
- Attendance: 19,783 (league record)
- Final score: Team Spoon 129, Team Coop 122
- Jonquel Jones – 22 pts, 13 reb, 8 ast
- Dominique Malonga – 12 pts, 13 reb; dunk in 2nd quarter
- Olivia Miles (Lynx) – 11 pts, 12 reb, 8 ast
- Caitlin Clark – 17 pts (Team Spoon)
- Kelsey Mitchell – 28 pts (Team Coop)
Official Statements & Responses
The league’s release confirmed Malonga’s dunk, noting she became the seventh player in All-Star history to record such a play and the first since Sylvia Fowles in 2022.
Criticism & Opposition
Engelbert’s remarks were met with audible boos. An ESPN report cited “high-ranking team sources” who expect the 2026 season to be Engelbert’s last, echoing player criticism of league leadership on issues such as online abuse and officiating consistency.
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans filled the United Center and surrounding streets for brand activations, while former President Barack Obama welcomed All-Stars to the newly opened Obama Presidential Center. Attendance and fan engagement were cited as evidence of the league’s growing popularity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My aunt meant a lot to me; she was one of the matriarchs in our family,” — Jonquel Jones
- “No matter what mood I'm in, basketball can pick me back up,” — Jonquel Jones
- “The way [Malonga] makes it look easy, the excitement around it," said Paige Bueckers, who scored 12 points for Team Coop.” — Paige Bueckers
What’s Next
The regular season resumes on Tuesday, and the next league action is the Fever’s matchup against the Seattle Storm on July 28. The Sky’s facility delays and the commissioner’s announced replay-center project are expected to shape league operations heading into the 2027 season.
