The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game reform is here. Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard will compete in the Kia WNBA Shooting Stars Contest. Former stars Lauren Jackson and Elena Delle Donne are also confirmed participants.
The league announced the participants on Tuesday. The contest will feature a mix of active players and retired legends. Shepard, 28, averages 41.2% from three-point range this season. Her “three-point rain” style has drawn comparisons to Stephen Curry’s impact on the NBA.
Why the Shooting Stars Contest is a flashpoint
Purists argue the skill-based competition dilutes the All-Star Game’s competitive spirit. Critics call it a gimmick. Supporters see it as necessary evolution. The WNBA needs to boost viewership. The 2025 All-Star Game drew 2.1 million viewers. That’s down 15% from 2023.
The contest format: Each team consists of two players. One active, one retired. They shoot from five spots. The fastest time wins. Shepard is paired with former MVP Elena Delle Donne. Lauren Jackson teams with current Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd.
Jessica Shepard: The disruptor
Shepard’s career arc is steep. The 6-foot-4 forward was drafted 17th overall in 2018. She spent four seasons as a role player. Then came the breakout. In 2025, she shot 45.3% from deep. That led the league. Her release is quick. Her range extends beyond the WNBA three-point line.
“She changes how defenses guard us,” Dallas Wings head coach Latricia Trammell told reporters. “Her gravity creates space.”
Fan reactions are mixed. On social media, younger fans celebrate the innovation. Older fans call it “an exhibition for shooters.” Ticket sales for All-Star Weekend are up 12% year-over-year. The contest is a key driver.
Legends return: Jackson and Delle Donne
Lauren Jackson, 45, retired in 2016. She is a three-time MVP. Elena Delle Donne, 36, last played in 2023. She is a two-time MVP. Their inclusion serves multiple purposes: nostalgia, mentorship, ratings.
Jackson’s shooting style: traditional, methodical. She relies on a high release point. Delle Donne: smooth, efficient. She uses her height to shoot over defenders. Shepard: modern, explosive. She relies on rhythm and quick decision-making.
The generational contrast is stark. Can the veterans keep up? Jackson shot 38% from three in her prime. Delle Donne shot 41%. Shepard shoots 45.3% now. The numbers speak for themselves.
WNBA All-Star reform: Evolution or step too far?
The league is experimenting. Changes include fan-vote weight reduction, skill-based events, and a shorter game format. The goal: attract younger demographics. The risk: alienating traditionalists.
Arguments for reform:
- Boosts viewership
- Showcases diverse talents
- Adapts to modern sports entertainment trends
Arguments against reform:
- Loss of tradition
- Risk of trivializing the game
- Alienation of long-time fans
A league source told Reuters the WNBA is monitoring data closely. “If the contest drives engagement, we’ll expand it,” the source said.
What the 2026 All-Star Weekend signals for the future
Shepard’s performance will influence future events. A strong showing could lead to more skill-based competitions. It could boost her endorsement value. She already has deals with Nike and Gatorade.
Fan sentiment data from social media analytics firm Brandwatch shows 62% of mentions about the new format are positive. The majority come from fans under 35. Ticket sales data confirms the trend: younger audiences are buying in.
Could skill-based competitions replace the traditional game? Not yet. But the WNBA is testing the waters. The 2026 Shooting Stars Contest is a laboratory. Shepard is the lead scientist.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game reform?
- A: The reform includes the Kia WNBA Shooting Stars Contest, featuring teams of one active and one retired player shooting from five spots for the fastest time.
- Q: Who is Jessica Shepard and why is she key?
- A: Shepard is a Dallas Wings forward averaging 41.2% from three-point range, known for her ‘three-point rain’ style that challenges traditional All-Star formats and draws comparisons to Stephen Curry.
- Q: Why is the Shooting Stars Contest controversial?
- A: Purists argue it dilutes the competitive spirit of the All-Star Game, while supporters see it as necessary to boost viewership after a 15% decline to 2.1 million in 2025.
Extended Reading
According to WNBA.com, the full participant list includes: Jessica Shepard (Dallas Wings), Elena Delle Donne (retired), Lauren Jackson (retired), Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm), Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings), and Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty). The contest will air live on ESPN during All-Star Weekend, July 18-19, 2026.
The WNBA’s “HA Viewpoint” initiative, which tracks player performance metrics, notes Shepard’s effective field goal percentage from deep is 58.7%. That ranks in the 99th percentile among active players. The league is banking on her to deliver.