How to watch the WNBA All-Star Game 2026 live for free: Rosters, livestream

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is set to showcase the league’s premier athletes in a highly anticipated matchup on July 25 at 8:30 p.m. ET. Marking a milestone as the WNBA celebrates its 30th season, this year’s All-Star event introduces innovative elements both on and off the court.

Departing from tradition, the league has replaced the usual team captain format with a unique approach that places WNBA Hall of Famers Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon in the roles of general managers. These two legends took charge of drafting the All-Star rosters, adding a fresh dynamic to the selection process. The league also employed a coin toss to evenly distribute the top fan-selected players, ensuring balanced and competitive teams.

Fan favorites Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever were the highest vote-getters this season. Following the coin flip, Bueckers joined Team Cooper, while Clark was placed on Team Weatherspoon. This strategy aims to maintain fairness and excitement throughout the game.

Representing the New York Liberty, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones will participate on opposing sides, highlighting their individual talents in this showcase. Their presence adds star power and local interest for the Liberty fan base, even as they compete against each other in this exhibition.

The All-Star festivities began with preliminary contests designed to highlight the league’s skills and entertainment value. The 3-Point Contest was won by Azzi Fudd, a rookie sensation from the Dallas Wings, demonstrating the depth of rising talent in the league. Additionally, Team Washington—which included Shakira Austin, Elena Delle Donne, and Jezelle “GG” Banks—secured victory in the Shooting Stars competition, a contest combining shooting accuracy and teamwork.

In a move to celebrate the league’s three decades of existence, the WNBA introduced a charitable component tied to the game’s outcome. The two All-Star squads are competing not only for victory but also for a $100,000 donation prize pool. The winning team’s chosen Chicago-based charity will receive $70,000, with the runner-up’s organization awarded $30,000. Team Cooper is playing on behalf of Angels Athletics, while Team Weatherspoon represents Girls in the Game, emphasizing the league’s commitment to community support and empowerment.

Fans eager to watch the game live can tune in on ABC, which is broadcasting the event nationally. For viewers without traditional cable access, several streaming options exist, including a notable service offering a free trial that includes ABC channels. This accessibility ensures that the All-Star Game reaches a broad audience, further promoting the WNBA’s growing popularity.

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game not only highlights elite basketball talent but also reflects the league’s evolving approach to fan engagement, charitable involvement, and innovative competition formats. As the season progresses, the event serves as a reminder of the WNBA’s continued growth and influence within professional sports.

Details about player injuries and substitutions have been noted by the league, but the full roster for both teams remains a key point of interest for fans and analysts alike. The game promises to blend competitive intensity with celebratory spirit, making it a pivotal moment in the WNBA calendar.

Overall, the 2026 All-Star festivities underscore the league’s dedication to honoring its history while pushing forward with fresh ideas and community impact, all culminating in a high-profile basketball event that captures the attention of sports enthusiasts nationwide.