The Evolution of the WNBA All-Star Game

The WNBA All-Star Game has been a midseason showcase for the biggest stars in women's basketball for over two decades. From Lisa Leslie to Jewell Loyd to Caitlin Clark, the event has highlighted the best talent in the league.

The First WNBA All-Star Game

The first WNBA All-Star Game was held on July 14, 1999, at Madison Square Garden in New York. The West defeated the East 79-61, with Lisa Leslie of the Los Angeles Sparks named MVP after finishing with 13 points and 5 rebounds. A total of 18,649 fans attended the historic game.

Multiple MVP Winners

Three players have won multiple WNBA All-Star Game MVP awards:

• Lisa Leslie (3)
• Maya Moore (3)
• Arike Ogunbowale (2)

Maya Moore is the only player to be named All-Star Game MVP three years in a row (2015-18).

Record-Breaking Performances

• Most Points in a Single Game: Arike Ogunbowale scored 34 points in the 2024 All-Star Game.
• Most All-Star Game Selections: Sue Bird holds the records for most All-Star Game selections (13), most All-Star Games played (12), and most selections as a starter (9).

Overtime Thrillers

The WNBA All-Star Game has gone into overtime once. In 2014, the East defeated the West 125-124 in Phoenix, with Shoni Schimmel scoring a game-high 29 points to win MVP.

Conference Dominance

In the 14 years the WNBA All-Star Game has had an East vs. West format, the West owns a 10-4 lead, including wins in the first six All-Star Games.

Host Cities

Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, has hosted the WNBA All-Star Game four times (2005, '09, '13, and '15), more than any other city or venue.

Recent Winners

• 2024: Team WNBA def. USWNT 117-109 (MVP: Arike Ogunbowale)
• 2023: Team Stewart def. Team Wilson 143-127 (MVP: Jewell Loyd)
• 2022: Team Wilson def. Team Stewart 134-112 (MVP: Kelsey Plum)

For the latest news, scores, stats, schedules, and more, check out the ESPN WNBA hub page.