Brittney Griner, left, celebrates her team’s victory at the WNBA All-Star Game on the heels of news that the Mercury will be the hosts of the 2024 event. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS – The best of the best in women’s basketball are coming to the Valley next summer.
Phoenix will host the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said Saturday during a pre-All-Star Game press conference.
“I’m excited to announce that next year, the three-time WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury will host AT&T All-Star 2024,” Engelbert said. “Thank you to Mat Ishbia and the Mercury leadership team for their ongoing support. … I’m excited to see one of the W’s inaugural franchises step up.”
This will be Phoenix’s third time hosting the event, having been awarded the game in 2000 and 2014.
The 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend festivities will add to an impressive slate of large sporting events to grace the Phoenix area in recent years. These include February’s Super Bowl 57, January’s College Football Playoff semifinal game and next year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four.
Phoenix securing next year’s All-Star Game comes on the heels of a 9-0 Phoenix City Council vote on May 31 in favor of supporting the Mercury and Suns to place future hosting bids with their respective leagues.
The Mercury will have to provide security for the event and sufficient hotel and convention center space throughout the weekend, but Phoenix has proven it’s more than capable of providing the necessary support for such an event.
In addition to the All-Star Game, the WNBA All-Star 3-point shooting contest and the skills challenge will take place as part of All-Star Weekend festivities, providing Footprint Center attendees sufficient excitement as they gather to celebrate elite women’s basketball talent.
The skills challenge and 3-point shootout will be July 19 with the All-Star Game on July 20.
Ishbia continues his active first year as the figurehead of Phoenix basketball with another groundbreaking move to secure next year’s WNBA midseason showcase.
“As I’ve said from day one, we are going to make Phoenix one of the leading basketball destinations in the world and the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game is going to be an unbelievable experience,” he said. “As the women’s game continues to grow and reach new heights, we are going to put on an All-Star weekend that will accelerate that growth and elevate the league.
“I want to thank the WNBA and the entire Phoenix community for coming together to help bring the WNBA All-Star Game to the Valley. I couldn’t be more excited to show the world what Phoenix basketball is all about.”