Michael Voepel

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is nearly here, and it's time to examine the opening half of the season. We're handing out team grades for the second time this summer.

CHICAGO -- Barack Obama surprised the WNBA All-Stars Friday, visiting them at the Obama Presidential Center's indoor basketball court.

CHICAGO -- Youth took center stage Friday at the WNBA's All-Star 3-point and Shooting Stars competitions at Wintrust Arena.

CHICAGO -- Jonquel Jones made history. Caitlin Clark made five 3-pointers. And Olivia Miles made sure her Rookie of the Year-worthy campaign got another strong performance.

Consistency, defense, chemistry, execution and resolve. Those are things a basketball team must have for success.

Whether improving a playoff seed or carrying momentum into the offseason, finishing strong is a priority for all 15 teams.

With the WNBA trade deadline looming at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, some important moves might be made in the next few days. Teams vying for the playoffs must assess their needs, what can be gained by filling them and what could be lost with what they give up in return. Teams further down the standings have to gauge whether they can truly improve their futures by making a deal now.

With All-Star weekend in the rearview mirror, the WNBA regular-season awards picture is coming more into focus.

play It was the kind of game Caitlin Clark never wants to play. She had missed the past two contests with a back issue, and while she had been given the green light to return, she was on a minutes restriction.

Clark already has the most 20-point, 10-assist games in WNBA history. But her game remains a work in progress.