The 2024 WNBA All-Star game was the most watched ever in history.
This year's All-Star game was one to remember. With record-breaking temperatures, the WNBA brought the heat to Phoenix.
The 20th annual game drew 3.4 million viewers on ABC, making it the most-watched All-Star game in WNBA history. The third most viewed event ever across all networks, according to ESPN PR, viewership peaked at 4.2 million, over a 300 percent increase from last year.
This year's format was unique, marking the second year in history to debut Team WNBA vs. Team USA. While some all-star games present as a fun, dynamic, flowing experience, this year's matchup was highly competitive, as reported by several players and coaches.
"We have to be locked in, our time together is so short," said USA Olympian Breanna Stewart prior to Friday's three-point contest. "Also knowing what happened last time we had Team USA vs. the All-Stars. It didn't go our way."
With that said, Stewart's been in this position before. In 2021, Team WNBA defeated Team USA, 93-85 in which Arike Ogunbowale was crowned MVP winner with 26 points. Four years later, it's a bit of déjà vu for Stewart and company. And there's something about Ogunbowale cooking up against the USA Basketball National Olympic Team.
In front of a crowd of 16,407 attendees at the Footprint Center, Team WNBA once again defeated Team USA 117-109. After admitting that she had pulled out of the Olympics due to "politics," Ogunbowale captured her second All-Star MVP against Team USA with 34 points, three rebounds, six assists, and two steals on 10-20 field goal shooting. Although it's the All-Star game, Ogunbowale wouldn't let Team USA stop her and her squad from competing at the highest level.
"They're [Team USA] getting ready to play, and they want to win," said Ogunbowale post-game. "We're not going to get embarrassed as well. They have plays they've been practicing. We just want to come out hard, and I love competition. If I hear someone is trying to beat me, I'm going to try to beat them twice as hard."
Your 2024 WNBA All-Star MVP Arike Ogunbowale #WNBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/WsFd7mKPsZ
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) July 21, 2024
After scoring zero first-half points, the Dallas Wings star erupted for 21 third-quarter points, including 5-7 shots from beyond the arc. In true Arike fashion, the guard sauced up several guards with highly contested shots. Ogunbowale's 34 points were the most points ever scored in an all-star game, and the guard was extremely humble prior to the big matchup. Not one guard could stop her, including Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, and Jewell Loyd.
In the post-game, Ogunbowale admitted that Team WNBA head coach Cheryl Miller "called her out at halftime." In front of everyone, Miller told her, "Just take a deep breath and play your game," said Ogunbowale. "I guess you guys saw what happened."
Under coach Miller, Nneka Ogwumike (14 points), Angel Reese (12 points), Allisha Gray (16 points), and Kelsey Mitchell (13 points) all contributed points in double figures. For Chicago Sky's Reese, she became the first rookie in WNBA history to tally a double-double, which included 11 boards. Able to snag rebounds over Brittney Griner and Alyssa Thomas, Reese continues to show why she's the WNBA leader in offensive boards.
Although Reese and Clark are known for being opponents on the court, a definitive moment gave fans a chilling glimpse of the level of talent these two players produce. Able to split the defense, Clark unselfishly found Reese in the paint with the dime bounce. Having only finished with four points, Clark tallied 10 assists, a rookie WNBA All-Star record. This comes a week after Clark became the single-game assist leader with 19 against the Wings.
Aside from calling Ogunbowale the best "one-on-one player in the league," Clark, without question, opted to remain on the bench while Arike continued her dominance. Although ready for a break, Clark seemingly enjoyed her first WNBA All-Star experience.
"I had a lot of fun just playing, enjoying the atmosphere, talking with people courtside," said
Heading into the Olympics, Stewart was quick to point out a lack of defense from Team USA. Committing 14 costly turnovers, the Olympic team once found themselves down by a 20-point deficit. "Understanding that we just gave up 117 points is kind of crazy," said Stewart post-game. "We don't want to peak too soon, and we know we can improve on a lot. I speak for A'ja [Wilson] here. We're excited to get to London and really focus on this team and what our ultimate goal is." Overall, the experience was jovial and eventful. With the popularity of WNBA live, the weekend festivities drew in several celebrities, including Aubrey Plaza, Pitbull, Sheryl Swoops, Shannon Sharpe, and others. Following one of the most exciting WNBA All-Star weekends, Team USA will play Japan this afternoon, beginning at 3 p.m. EST. Starting Aug 1, the Women's National Team will suit up against Belgium, and Germany on Aug 4. The USA Women's National Team is seeking their eighth straight gold medal. Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator, and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She focuses on Women's Basketball, both college and the WNBA, and currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area. SJ received her undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Connecticut, with a minor in business administration.
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