WNBA All-Star Events Begin at the Convention Center. How to Meet the All-Stars

Twenty girls sat and listened on a basketball court inside the Phoenix Convention Center as Mercury guard Natasha Cloud told stories about her career in the Valley.

They had just finished a 30-minute basketball session with UConn point guard Paige Bueckers, wearing practice jerseys signed by Bueckers herself. Cloud spoke to the girls about her career, the impact of women’s sports and how they are an important part of it.

“I’m a dog,” Cloud told the crowd. “Anyone I play with will tell you I give it my all in everything I do.”

Natasha Cloud’s tips. Getting your jersey signed by Paige Bueckers. Access to seemingly limitless giveaways and prizes. All of this and more is just a small fraction of the opportunities on offer at this year’s WNBA Live, presented by US Bank.

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The two-day fan festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Phoenix Convention Center. The event will feature an orange carpet, floor-to-ceiling posters of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese and special appearances from various WNBA All-Stars. It is free to all fans looking to make the most of their WNBA All-Star weekend in Phoenix.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s WNBA Live:

Will there be All Stars at WNBA Live?

Official All-Star Weekend events begin Friday at 6 p.m. at the Footprint Center with the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest. But players can still be seen before then.

Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx will be at the US Bank booth from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday. Cloud of the Mercury will be back at the Convention Center Friday morning. She will make a guest appearance at ESPN’s “The Paint” booth, where people can get temporary tattoos.

There will be opportunities to meet CarMax campaign stars A’ja Wilson, Chiney Ogwumike, Sabrina Ionescu and Sue Bird.

The entrance features an orange carpet that fans can walk on and stop to take pictures with the league’s biggest stars.

Basketball Courts at WNBA Live

WNBA Live is a basketball fan’s paradise. Instead of watching their favorite players on the court, they get the chance to become players. Several stands, including US Bank, Kia, Starry, and AT&T, have courts where people can compete.

Starry’s booth allows people to compete in a 3-point contest against another fan for bragging rights and, more importantly, free merchandise.

Immersive exhibitions

One of the highlights of WNBA Live is the presence of some immersive exhibits. Nike has a booth with exclusive lockers for Diana Taurasi, Napheesa Collier, A’ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu. Famous quotes from the stars, signed college, WNBA and Olympic jerseys, shoes and books are on display in the lockers.

“It’s all about winning,” the Nike exhibit reads. “When you do that, people can’t take anything away from you. They can’t take championships away from you. They can’t take anything away from you if you win and your name is forever etched in the history books. I think that’s what greatness is.”

Fans will then be able to purchase custom hoodies, caps and t-shirts inside the exhibit. Panini’s booth allows fans to create a custom playing card, like Caitlin Clark’s, but with their own photo.

The American Express booth will feature a quiz to find out what type of fan you are. Your answer and photo will be displayed on a 360-degree screen alongside answers from players like Brittney Griner and Kahleah Copper.

What can I buy on WNBA Live?

There are 24 WNBA partners and licensees who will have booths at the event, each with some type of merchandise available.

The WNBA Academy is offering a free WNBA poster and photo opportunity after taking a “How Well Do You Know the League?” quiz.

The WNBA Shop will feature Team USA and Team WNBA jerseys, among other items. Playa Society will also be at the event with items like t-shirts and tote bags that say, “If you’re new to women’s basketball, we told you so.”

They also offer street style clothing with the league’s most iconic players available for purchase.

WNBA Live Schedule, Tickets & More

When: Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Or: Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St.

Admission: Admission is free when you register on the WNBA Events app.

Find more details here.