What Is 2018 WNBA All-Star Game

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 WNBA All-Star Game was held on July 28, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Team Delle Donne defeated Team Parker 117–112, with A'ja Wilson earning MVP honors after scoring 21 points.

Key Facts

The 2018 WNBA All-Star Game took place on July 28, 2018
Hosted at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
First All-Star Game under the new team format without conference divisions
A'ja Wilson scored 21 points and named MVP
Final score: Team Delle Donne 117, Team Parker 112

Overview

The 2018 WNBA All-Star Game marked a major shift in format, abandoning the traditional Eastern and Western Conference teams in favor of a fantasy draft-style selection. This change aimed to increase competitiveness and fan engagement by allowing captains to pick their rosters regardless of conference affiliation.

Hosted at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, the game was part of the league’s efforts to elevate its profile during the 22nd season of the WNBA. The event featured top players from across the league, showcasing elite talent in a reimagined format that emphasized star power and team chemistry.

July 28, 2018: The game was played on this date, coinciding with the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas to maximize media exposure and fan attendance.
T-Mobile Arena: Located on the Las Vegas Strip, this 20,000-seat venue hosted the event, marking the first time Nevada hosted the WNBA All-Star Game.
Captains Elena Delle Donne and Candace Parker: The two team captains were selected based on fan voting, with Delle Donne leading Team Delle Donne and Parker leading Team Parker.
First non-conference format: This was the first All-Star Game without East vs. West teams, introducing a new era of team selection based on draft picks.
21-point performance: A'ja Wilson, playing for Team Delle Donne, scored 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting, leading her team to victory and earning MVP honors.

How It Works

The 2018 format introduced a new structure for selecting and organizing teams, departing from decades of conference-based play. Captains drafted players in a live event, creating balanced and competitive rosters based on skill rather than geography.

Fantasy Draft:July 26, 2018: The draft occurred two days before the game, with captains selecting teammates in a televised event. This added drama and personal rivalry to team composition.
Team Selection: The top two vote-getters became captains. Elena Delle Donne received the most votes, giving her first pick in the draft.
Player Pool:24 players were selected overall—12 per team—chosen by a combination of fan, player, and media voting.
Game Format: The game consisted of four 10-minute quarters, with a running clock except for the final two minutes of the second and fourth quarters.
Scoring System: The final score was 117–112, with Team Delle Donne winning. The game featured fast-paced offense and high shooting percentages.
MVP Criteria: The MVP was awarded based on performance and impact. A'ja Wilson became the first rookie to win All-Star MVP since 2002.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2018 All-Star Game format with previous years:

Feature	2018 Format	Prior Formats (2003–2017)
Team Structure	Team Delle Donne vs. Team Parker	Eastern vs. Western Conference
Selection Method	Fantasy draft led by captains	Automatic conference assignment
Host City	Las Vegas, Nevada	Rotated among team cities
Number of Players	24 (12 per team)	22–24 (by conference record)
MVP Winner	A'ja Wilson (21 points)	Multiple winners, including Lisa Leslie and Maya Moore

This table highlights the structural shift in the All-Star Game’s approach. The 2018 format emphasized individual star power and fan interaction, moving away from regional rivalries. It also allowed for more balanced teams and greater visibility for rising stars like Wilson, who thrived under the new spotlight.

Why It Matters

The 2018 WNBA All-Star Game was a turning point in how the league presents its marquee talent and engages fans. By introducing a draft format and hosting in a neutral, high-profile city, the WNBA signaled its intent to modernize and grow its audience.

Increased viewership: The game saw a 17% increase in TV ratings compared to 2017, indicating stronger fan interest in the new format.
Player empowerment: Captains had agency in team selection, fostering camaraderie and friendly rivalries that boosted media attention.
Marketing innovation: The league leveraged Las Vegas’s entertainment culture to attract casual fans and media coverage beyond traditional basketball audiences.
Rookie recognition: A'ja Wilson’s MVP win highlighted the league’s emerging talent, helping promote the 2018 draft class.
Gender equity statement: Holding the game alongside the NBA Summer League emphasized the WNBA’s role in the broader basketball landscape.
Format legacy: The 2018 model influenced future All-Star Games, with the draft format continuing in subsequent years.

The 2018 WNBA All-Star Game was more than just an exhibition—it was a strategic rebranding effort that elevated the league’s visibility and celebrated its stars in a fresh, dynamic way.