WNBA's new All-Star Shooting Stars competition: What is it, how to watch

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago will showcase a fresh competitive format as the league replaces its traditional Skills Challenge with a revamped Shooting Stars event. This initiative draws inspiration from the NBA’s 2004 All-Star festivities, adapting the concept to highlight a blend of talent across generations and leagues.

The Shooting Stars competition will feature four teams, each representing different regions: Minnesota, Seattle, Washington, and a combined Dallas-Detroit market. These teams are composed of an intriguing mix of WNBA legends, current players, and standout athletes from Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). This structure aims to bridge the past, present, and future of women’s basketball in a dynamic, team-oriented contest.

During the event, each team will have 70 seconds to accumulate as many points as possible by shooting from seven designated spots on the court. The sequence begins with a layup from spot number one, positioned to the right of the basket, and proceeds through the remaining locations in a fixed order for every participant. Each shot attempts to maximize scoring potential, with different point values assigned based on shot difficulty. For instance, the initial layup is valued at two points, whereas long-range three-pointers taken from the seventh spot hold a four-point value.

The competition’s format requires each team member to take one shot at each of the first six spots, while the seventh spot allows unlimited attempts within the time limit, provided players shoot in the established order. This setup tests both accuracy and speed under pressure.

Following the initial round, the two highest-scoring teams advance to a decisive final round where the championship is determined in a winner-take-all shootout. This head-to-head format promises heightened excitement and competitive intensity.

Among the youth competitors, Nike EYBL players Jezelle "GG" Banks, Ryan Carter, Tatianna Griffin, and Morghan Reckley will be assigned to teams shortly before the event. Their inclusion offers a spotlight on emerging talent, fostering the WNBA’s commitment to developing the next generation of basketball stars.

This Shooting Stars contest is scheduled as part of the All-Star Skills Night, occurring alongside the 3-point shooting competition. Together, these events enhance the entertainment value of the WNBA’s All-Star Weekend, showcasing a variety of basketball skills in a festival atmosphere.

The introduction of this event marks a strategic evolution for the WNBA, blending tradition with innovation and emphasizing community representation through regional teams. It also mirrors a broader trend in professional basketball to create All-Star formats that engage fans with diverse and fast-paced challenges.

While finer details regarding broadcast arrangements and participant lineups remain limited, fans and analysts alike are poised to witness how this new competition will integrate into the WNBA’s celebrated All-Star Weekend. The event’s debut in Chicago sets the stage for a novel celebration of women’s basketball talent across generations.