Basketball fans tune in for the three-point contest and the highlight-reel dunks, but anyone paying attention to the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend knows the orange carpet in Chicago put on its own kind of show. Held at the United Center on July 23 through 25, the league's 30th anniversary celebration turned into a style event as much as a sporting one, with players trading warmup gear for tailored fits, statement accessories, and designer collaborations built for the camera.
WNBA fashion has been building momentum for a few seasons now, but the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend pushed things further. Stylists, luxury labels, and streetwear brands are treating the orange carpet the way music award shows treat the red carpet, and players are leaning into it. Below is a look at five athletes who used the moment to make a real fashion statement, along with what their looks say about where the sport's style scene is heading.
1. A'ja Wilson Brought Old Hollywood Drama in Head-to-Toe Black
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Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson has become one of the most reliable names to watch whenever a WNBA carpet rolls out, and Chicago was no exception. Wilson showed up in a black dress with a flapper-inspired silhouette, later summing up the look in a single word: timeless. Her stylist put together a slinky black ensemble mixing pieces from Rahul Mishra and Rabanne, featuring a sparkly bodice that melted into a beaded skirt.
2. Paige Bueckers Mixed Streetwear With High Fashion
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Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers has never been one to play it safe on the carpet, and her 2026 look continued that streak. Styled by Jason Bolden, Bueckers wore a sleeveless white top paired with baggy, textured pants, finished off with a Louis Vuitton tie and classic white Air Force 1 sneakers. The combination of relaxed tailoring, a menswear-inspired accessory, and a sneaker staple gave the outfit a lived-in, confident energy that felt distinct from the more formal gowns nearby.
Bueckers earned her second All-Star nod this season, and her fashion choices have followed a similar upward trajectory since her rookie year, when she wore a Marni sweater vest that got plenty of attention on its own. This year's outfit felt cleaner and more tailored, but it kept her signature refusal to play it boring.
3. Azzi Fudd Went Bold With Distressed Denim and a Blazer
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As the number one pick in the draft, Azzi Fudd walked her first WNBA All-Star orange carpet as a professional, and she used the moment to try something less expected than a gown. Fudd showed up in distressed jeans paired with a sharp blazer, a combination that balanced edge with polish. The pairing worked because it leaned into contrast: rough, worn denim next to a clean, structured jacket.
Fudd's rookie season has been a big one on the court too. She entered All-Star weekend as the only rookie in the three-point contest field, joining a short list of first-year players ever invited to compete. Her fashion choice matched that same willingness to stand out early in a young career.
4. DiJonai Carrington Treats the Orange Carpet Like a Business Meeting
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DiJonai Carrington, now with the Chicago Sky, has spoken openly about how seriously she takes pregame and event styling. In her words, walking a tunnel or a carpet is still work, and it's often the only chance a brand or decision-maker gets to notice a player before a deal comes together. That mindset has shaped her approach to every appearance, orange carpet included.
5. Jackie Young Keeps Showing Up as a Quiet Style Favorite
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Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young made her fifth consecutive All-Star appearance this year, and her orange carpet presence has become something fans look forward to alongside her play. Young has built a reputation for confident, put-together looks that don't rely on shock value to make an impression. Her consistency on the carpet mirrors her consistency on the court, where she has quietly become one of the league's most dependable scorers and playmakers.
While flashier outfits often grab headlines, players like Young show that WNBA fashion doesn't require excess to leave a mark. Sometimes a clean, well-fitted look photographed well and worn with confidence does the job just as effectively.
Why the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend Marked a Turning Point for Women's Sports Style
The looks from this year's orange carpet made one thing clear: the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend wasn't just a celebration of basketball talent, it was a showcase of how far WNBA fashion has come. Players are now working with major designers, hiring dedicated stylists, and using their platforms to make statements that go beyond the scoreboard. From Wilson's vintage glamour to Fudd's denim-and-blazer combination, the range of styles on display proved there's no single formula for looking good in this league. As more brands invest in women's basketball and more players lean into personal style, fashion at events like this one is only going to keep growing as part of the sport's identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where did the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend take place?
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend was held in Chicago, hosted by the Chicago Sky, with the All-Star Game taking place at the United Center on July 25.
2. What is the orange carpet at WNBA All-Star Weekend?
The orange carpet is the WNBA's version of a red carpet event, where players arrive in high fashion looks before All-Star festivities begin. It is hosted as a livestream and gives players a chance to showcase style choices that go beyond their usual game-day tunnel walks.
3. Why has WNBA fashion become such a big part of All-Star Weekend?
As the league's visibility and fan base have grown, players have gained more opportunities to work with stylists and designers. Fashion has become another way for athletes to build their personal brand, attract partnerships, and connect with fans outside of basketball.
4. Do WNBA players work with professional stylists for events like this?
Many players do work with stylists for major events like the orange carpet. A'ja Wilson worked with stylist iCON Billingsley, and Paige Bueckers was styled by Jason Bolden, showing how seriously players and their teams treat these style moments.
