The 2026 Kia WNBA Shooting Stars Competition makes its debut during WNBA All-Star Weekend, replacing the league’s traditional Skills Challenge with a brand-new team shooting event that brings together the past, present, and future of women’s basketball.
Held on Friday, July 24 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, the competition features WNBA legends, current stars, and top high school prospects competing in a fast-paced, timed shooting contest.
What Is the WNBA Shooting Stars Competition?
The Shooting Stars Competition is a team-based shooting challenge featuring four teams, each representing a WNBA market.
Every team consists of:
- One WNBA legend
- One current WNBA player
- One Nike EYBL high school standout
The format celebrates multiple generations of basketball talent while replacing the previous individual Skills Challenge.
Which Teams Are Competing?
The four teams represent:
- Minnesota
- Seattle
- Washington
- Dallas/Detroit
The Dallas/Detroit team honors the franchise’s history, recognizing the current Dallas Wings’ roots as the Detroit Shock before relocating to Tulsa and eventually Dallas.
How Does the Competition Work?
Each team competes in a timed shooting contest with 70 seconds on the clock.
During each round, teams rotate through seven designated shooting locations around the court, attempting to score as many points as possible before time expires.
The shooting locations range from:
- Layups
- Mid-range jump shots
- Three-pointers
Each player participates in the shooting sequence as the team works through every station.
How Many Rounds Are There?
The competition features two rounds.
Opening Round
- All four teams compete.
- Teams attempt to post the highest possible score within 70 seconds.
Championship Round
- The top two scoring teams advance.
- Scores reset for the final.
- The team with the highest score in the championship round wins the inaugural WNBA Shooting Stars title.
How Is Scoring Determined?
Teams earn points by successfully making shots from each of the seven shooting locations before the 70-second clock expires.
Unlike a traditional skills competition, speed alone is not enough—teams must combine quick movement with accurate shooting to maximize their score.
Why Did the WNBA Introduce the Shooting Stars Competition?
The WNBA replaced the Skills Challenge with the Shooting Stars Competition to create a more engaging, team-oriented event that showcases multiple generations of basketball talent.
The format allows Hall of Famers, current All-Stars, and rising high school prospects to compete together while celebrating the league’s history during its 30th anniversary season.
When Is the 2026 WNBA Shooting Stars Competition?
- Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Wintrust Arena, Chicago
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Disney+ and the ESPN App
FAQs
How many teams compete in the 2026 WNBA Shooting Stars Competition?
Four teams compete, each featuring a WNBA legend, a current WNBA player, and a Nike EYBL standout.
How long does each round last?
Each team has 70 seconds to complete its shooting round.
How many rounds are there?
There are two rounds: an opening round and a championship round featuring the top two teams.
What replaced the WNBA Skills Challenge?
The Kia WNBA Shooting Stars Competition replaces the traditional Skills Challenge beginning with the 2026 All-Star Weekend.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Kia WNBA Shooting Stars Competition introduces an exciting new chapter for WNBA All-Star Weekend. By combining legendary players, current stars, and elite young talent in a fast-paced team shooting contest, the event offers fans a fresh showcase of skill, teamwork, and basketball history. With four teams battling through two timed rounds, the inaugural competition is poised to become one of the highlights of the WNBA’s 30th anniversary celebration.