Overview
- The WNBA replaced its traditional Skills Challenge with a Shooting Stars competition on Friday night, a timed, seven‑spot shootout that pairs a retired WNBA legend, a current player and a top Nike EYBL high‑school prospect on each team.
- Rookie Azzi Fudd won the six‑shooter 3‑Point Contest on Friday, becoming the first rookie ever to take the WNBA 3‑Point title with a 30‑point final round.
- Team Washington captured the inaugural Shooting Stars final after prospect Jezelle “GG” Banks hit two logo four‑pointers to lift Elena Delle Donne and Shakira Austin’s squad over Team Seattle.
- Reports from league and media outlets described bigger All‑Star participation fees and larger champion payouts for skills events, with sponsor bonuses also announced, increasing the financial incentives for players in the weekend’s exhibitions.
- Former President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to practice at the Obama Presidential Center and spoke with Caitlin Clark, who declined a 3‑Point Contest invitation; USA TODAY’s reporting that Clark skipped an Orange Carpet event to get her hair done drew swift public backlash and was disputed by others.