Honorary General Managers Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon selected the rosters for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game during a live draft event [1].
The draft determines the composition of the two competing teams, showcasing the league's premier talent in a high-profile exhibition match. This selection process defines the strategic matchups and player pairings that will compete in Chicago [2].
ESPN host Malika Andrews moderated the proceedings, which took place from ESPN studios [1]. Cooper and Weatherspoon served as the architects for their respective teams, Team Cooper and Team Weatherspoon, choosing 12 players per team for a total of 24 selections [3].
While reporting on the exact timing varies, the draft was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, July 24, 2026 [2]. Some reports indicated the event occurred on Thursday, July 25, 2026, but the primary broadcast schedule aligns with the Wednesday date [2].
The rosters will face off in the All-Star Game on July 25, 2026 [1]. The event is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. ET [1].
The game will be held in Chicago, Illinois, providing a centralized stage for the league's top stars to compete outside of their regular-season team structures [1], [2].
“Honorary General Managers Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon selected the rosters”
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Draft continues the league's trend of utilizing legendary figures as honorary GMs to drive viewership and narrative. By pitting Cooper and Weatherspoon against one another, the WNBA leverages historical rivalry and prestige to frame the modern era of the sport, while the Chicago venue serves as a critical hub for expanding the league's visibility in a major U.S. market.
