Dom Amore: The WNBA All-Star Game was fun, entertaining. Now, the league has to find right balance

The WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago was built to be entertaining, with commissioner Cathy Englebert describing a need to balance fun with a “competitive environment” that avoids unnecessary rough play. Sportswriter Dom Amore points to the record crowd of 19,783 and an overnight rating of 3.44 million viewers as signs the league delivered a compelling show. The format leaned heavily toward open play and fewer whistles, an approach that contrasted with the common “defense-optional” critique often leveled at exhibition events. Team Spoon defeated Team Coop 129-122, with Caitlin Clark and other stars contributing after a 3-point contest that was won by rookie Azzi Fudd. Still, Amore notes the tournament used 225 shots and 127 attempts from three-point range, shaping the pace and feel of the event.