The biggest superstars the WNBA are flocking to the Windy City for 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, which officially kicks off on Thursday, July 23, with the orange carpet.
Minnesota Lynx All-Star Courtney Williams and Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman, known as the Studbudz, kicked off their 72-hour WNBA All-Star Weekend live stream on Thursday with preparations for the event. Williams got a haircut in her hotel room bathroom, while Hiedeman simultaneously got her nails done.
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Ari Chambers and Jordan Robinson are set to host the 2026 All-Star Orange Carpet live stream presented by Bumble, where players are expected to showcase high fashion looks that are normally reserved for pregame tunnel walks.
The orange carpet precedes the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest and Shooting Stars competition on Friday and the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game between Team Teresa Weatherspoon and Team Cynthia Cooper on Saturday.
USA TODAY Sports is providing live coverage from the WNBA Orange Carpet:
Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Witherspoon spar
GMs Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Witherspoon stopped by the orange carpet and talked trash about their respective teams.
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Cooper then held up a T-shirt from her playing days, bragging about being MVP. She won the award four consecutive times from 1997-2001. When asked who the comp, she kept up the swag.
“A’ja Wilson. She’s the best. I compare to the best,” Cooper said.
Sparks’ Nneka Ogwumike channels ‘Little Mermaid’
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike said she’s feeling the “nostalgia” at 2026 WNBA All-Star weekend, which will celebrate the league’s 30th anniversary. “I’ve been in the league for half of its existence,” the 15-year veteran added. She shows no signs of slowing down. Ogwumike tied Diana Taurasi for the second-most All-Star appearances in WNBA history with her 11th nod. Sue Bird has the most all-time All-Star nods with 13.
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“We’re celebrating 30 years in the W, coming off of a transformational CBA. It just feels like we’re living in the future,” Ogwumike said. “We’re living the dream that so many people have envisioned. And to bring All Stars together with the fans that made it all possible, I think there’s no better way to celebrate.”
Ogwumike donned a purple and green ombre dress with feather trim, adding, “I do feel a little bit like a mermaid.”
Wings All-Star Paige Bueckers dons all-white
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers, who earned her second All-Star nod this season, donned an Prada outfit on the WNBA orange carpet. She paired her white cut-off shirt with a Louis Vuitton tie and a pair of Nike sneakers because “you can never go wrong with a pair of white forces,” she said.
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“I’m happy to be here,” Bueckers added. “This is still a childhood dream regardless of how many times I’ve been here…. I’m still really grateful to be here to be surrounded by so many amazing people. This is a dream.”
Last season’s Rookie of the Year was asked what five things she brings to the game and gave a frank response.
“Passion, joy, selflessness,” Bueckers then paused to consider the last two words before adding, “(Expletive). Talk.”
How to watch WNBA All-Star orange carpet
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA All-Star orange carpet LIVE: Watch the stars arrive in Chicago
