What’s the Shooting Stars competition, and which team will win this WNBA All-Star 2026 event?

The WNBA is introducing a fresh twist to its All-Star Weekend festivities in 2026 by replacing the traditional Skills Challenge with the Shooting Stars competition. Set for Friday evening at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, this new event aims to honor the league’s heritage while spotlighting current talents and emerging stars.

The format centers on four teams, each symbolizing a significant city in WNBA history and culture: Minnesota, Seattle, Washington, and a combined Detroit/Dallas squad. The merging of Detroit and Dallas reflects recognition of both the contemporary Wings and the original Shock franchise, encapsulating the league’s evolving narrative.

Participants in each team include a legendary figure from the league’s past, a present-day rising star, and a standout high school player from the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). The inclusion of these young athletes, whose identities have been announced as Jezelle Banks, Ryan Carter, Tatianna Griffin, and Morghan Reckley, introduces an exciting dynamic, bridging generations and underscoring the sport’s future prospects.

The competition itself unfolds in two timed rounds. Teams have 70 seconds to shoot from seven marked spots on the court in a fixed sequence, with the goal of amassing the highest possible point total. The top two teams from the opening round advance to a championship round where the scoring resets, and the higher scorer wins the event. This format tests precision and speed under pressure.

Adding a strategic layer, former WNBA stars Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon serve as honorary general managers, tasked with passing the ball to participants during the shooting sequences. Their involvement not only enhances the competitive atmosphere but also strengthens the connection between the league’s storied past and its vibrant present.

Predicting the victor hinges significantly on the performance of the legends, whose shooting rhythm and accuracy could tip the scales. While all teams display promising talent, observers from swishappeal.com have highlighted Washington’s squad as a formidable contender, partly due to the presence of accomplished players like Elena Delle Donne and Brittney Austin.

This innovative event is part of the WNBA’s broader effort to refresh its All-Star weekend programming and celebrate its 30-year legacy. By blending nostalgia with emerging talent, the Shooting Stars competition not only entertains but also reaffirms the league’s commitment to growth and diversity within the sport.

Though the event represents a departure from previous skills-based contests, it retains a competitive spirit that resonates with fans and participants alike. The competition’s focus on timed shooting skills across multiple court locations offers a different challenge compared to conventional game play, demanding precision, teamwork, and composure.

As the WNBA continues to elevate its All-Star Weekend, this new competition underscores the evolving nature of women’s professional basketball. While some details, such as the final assignments of EYBL players to specific teams, remain under wraps, the foundation laid by the Shooting Stars event promises an engaging showcase that honors the past while looking boldly toward the future.