Team WNBA defeated Team USA decisively in the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday night. But the true winner was the game’s format. Despite the 117–109 final score, this was a real game played like it counted, not an exhibition.

For Team USA, full of veteran stars, this was preparation for the Olympics with only one more exhibition against Germany before the Paris Games begin. For Team WNBA, this was an opportunity for players to show they could’ve been on the national team as well. Many of those players will be on Team USA four years from now.

One fan of the format is clearly Arike Ogunbowale. The Dallas Wings star won MVP honors with an All-Star Game record 34 points — all scored in the second half — on 8-for-13 shooting from 3-point range, along with six assists. She also won All-Star Game MVP in 2021, the last time the All-Star Game featured the WNBA versus USA format.

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Ogunbowale was a notable snub from the women’s national team and played like she had something to prove. After the Team USA roster was officially announced, she appeared on the “Nightcap” podcast to explain that she withdrew from consideration when she saw that politics were significantly influencing the team selection process.

Everyone watching was an actual winner because this All-Star Game was a competitive contest. The stars played tough defense, with hard fouls and steals from jumped passing lanes. Team USA even implemented a full-court press in the second quarter, giving their Olympic competition a glimpse of what might be in store.

Both teams executed real offensive sets, including screens, pick-and-rolls, and post-ups, rather than merely taking turns trying to show off.

Yes, there were occasional reminders that this was a showcase event for the WNBA. Fans gave huge ovations to rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, as well as to hometown favorites Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi. During the game, Reese and Nneka Ogwumike were interviewed from the bench. Additionally, Breanna Stewart participated in a walk-and-talk interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe as she came out of the halftime locker room.

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