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WNBA: Top 10 Moments of July 2026

Isabelle McCarthy 323 August 4, 2026Fact checked by: Geoff Magliocchetti Be First

After a historic first two months, July of the 2026 WNBA season somehow found a way to raise the excitement even higher.

WNBA All-Star Game Tip-Off
(Photo by Sage Zipeto/Getty Images)

The month featured record-breaking performances, historic milestones, unforgettable finishes, and a celebration of everything that has made the WNBA one of the fastest-growing leagues in sports. From Caitlin Clark delivering one of the greatest individual performances in league history, to the biggest stars coming together for a record-setting All-Star Weekend, July was filled with moments that showcased the incredible talent and growth of women's basketball.

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Rookies continued to make their mark, veterans continued adding to their legacies, and the WNBA continued proving why this era of basketball is unlike any other.

With that being said, here are the 10 best moments from July of the 2026 WNBA season ...

10. McBride & Miles Shine in Win Over Mercury

The Minnesota Lynx have been one of the WNBA’s best teams all season, but one of their latest victories showed the incredible depth and chemistry that has made them championship contenders.

In a thrilling battle against the Phoenix Mercury, Kayla McBride and rookie Olivia Miles combined for one of the best performances of the month, leading Minnesota to a 104-100 victory. McBride erupted for a season-high 37 points, while Miles delivered a career-high 33 points and eight assists, combining for 70 points in one of the most impressive backcourt performances of the 2026 season.

The game was a back-and-forth battle from start to finish, featuring 23 lead changes as both teams traded momentum throughout the night. Phoenix looked ready to pull away late, but Minnesota’s guards took over when it mattered most. McBride provided the veteran leadership, knocking down clutch shots, while Miles continued showcasing why she has quickly become one of the league’s most exciting young players.

For Miles, the performance was another milestone in what has already been a historic rookie season. The former Notre Dame star continued proving that she is more than just a talented passer, showing she can take over games offensively when her team needs her most.

Meanwhile, McBride reminded everyone why she remains one of the league’s most reliable veterans. Her ability to create offense, hit big shots, and guide Minnesota’s younger players has been a major reason behind the Lynx’s success.

The victory was more than just another win, it was a statement that Minnesota has one of the most dangerous backcourts in the WNBA.

9. Dominique Malonga Shows Out With Dunk At All-Star Game

Seattle Storm rookie Dominique Malonga delivered one of the most memorable moments of the summer when she became the youngest player in WNBA All-Star Game history to record a dunk. She became just the seventh player to dunk in the All-Star game, and ninth player in WNBA history to record a slam.

Already considered one of the most athletic young players in the league, Malonga entered All-Star Weekend as one of the biggest names among the next generation of WNBA stars. However, she left Chicago with a historic moment that instantly went viral.

The dunk represented much more than just a highlight.

For years, moments like these have helped showcase the continued evolution of women’s basketball. From increased athleticism to a new generation of players pushing the boundaries of what is possible, Malonga’s dunk became another symbol of how far the game has grown.

The 20-year-old rookie has already shown flashes of superstardom throughout her first season, but her All-Star performance gave fans a glimpse of the type of impact she could have on the league for years to come. She would end the night with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

While All-Star Weekend featured some of the biggest names in basketball, it was Malonga’s historic moment that introduced herself to an even wider audience.

8. Napheesa Collier Returns From Injury

After missing the start of the season with an ankle injury, Napheesa Collier wasted little time reminding everyone why she's one of the league's premier players.

Collier took to the court in July against the Seattle Storm and immediately looked like she never left. She finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Minnesota Lynx continue their dominant run during the second half of the season with an 86-76 victory over the Storm.

Coming back from an extended absence is never easy, especially for a player carrying championship expectations. However, Collier immediately provided the impact Minnesota had been missing, bringing back the scoring, defense, and leadership that made her one of the most complete players in the league.

The timing of her return could not have been better.

With the playoffs approaching, Minnesota needed its superstar back healthy as the team looked to maintain its position among the WNBA’s elite. Collier’s presence gives the Lynx another unstoppable offensive weapon while also anchoring one of the league’s best defensive units.

Her return also highlighted just how special Minnesota’s roster has become. With Collier leading the way alongside emerging stars like Miles and veteran contributors like McBride, the Lynx suddenly look even more dangerous.

7. Jordin Canada's Buzzer Beater Against Chicago 

Some moments are defined by statistics. Others are defined by the feeling they create. Jordin Canada’s game-winning shot against the Chicago Sky was one of those moments.

With the game tied and the clock winding down, Canada took control of the final possession and delivered a clutch layup at the buzzer to give the Atlanta Dream an 93-91 victory.

The dramatic finish capped off an intense battle between two teams fighting for positioning and showcased why Canada has been one of the league’s most valuable veteran guards. Atlanta had blown a 22-point lead in the game but they were able to scrape by with the win thanks to Canada's speed.

Throughout her career, Canada has built a reputation as an elite defender and playmaker, but moments like this show another side of her game. When Atlanta needed a player to create under pressure, Canada stepped up and delivered. In this victory, she would end the game with 10 points, nine assists, three steals, and three rebounds.

6. Kelsey Mitchell On Fire In Back-To Back Wins

The Indiana Fever have been reliant on Kelsey Mitchell to get them over the top and she has delivered each time. In back-to-back wins over the Seattle Storm and New York Liberty, That was on perfect display in back-to-back wins over the Storm and New York Liberty, which saw Mitchell record a pair of 30-point games. 

She would record 30 points against the Storm and get 33 against the Liberty just about 24 hours later. In the victory over New York, a 108-88 triumph after Indiana fell behind early, Mitchell would have an efficient game shooting 10-for-14 from the field, and 4-for-6 from beyond the arc.

That latter output was also her 10th straight game with 20 points or more, becoming the longest streak in franchise history (breaking her own record set in 2024). Her streak has since extended to 14 games, six behind A'ja Wilson for the longest of all-time.

On a team filled with elite scorers, Mitchell continues to prove herself as a top veteran guard.

5. Jonquel Jones Earns All-Star MVP Honors In Team Spoon Victory

The brightest stars gathered in Chicago, but Jonquel Jones stole the spotlight.

Jones earned WNBA All-Star Game MVP honors after leading Team Spoon to a 129-122 victory, delivering another reminder of why she remains one of the league's most complete players. Her all-around performance helped separate Team Spoon in a game filled with offensive fireworks and highlight plays.

The New York Liberty forward would end the night with 22 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, while shooting 8-for-17 from the field.

Beyond the trophy itself, Jones' MVP carried additional significance. Following an emotional week brought about by the passing of her aunt and a season filled with adversity, the veteran center delivered one of the most memorable performances of All-Star Weekend, adding another prestigious accomplishment to an already remarkable career. 

4. Cheryl Reeve Sets WNBA Regular-Season Wins Record

Another chapter of WNBA history was written by one of its greatest coaches.

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve became the winningest coach in WNBA regular-season history, in a 86-80 victory over the Connecticut Sun on July 8. Reeve would surpass Mike Thibault after tying his record back in June.

Since taking over the Lynx in 2010, Reeve has built one of the league's greatest dynasties, winning four WNBA championships while consistently keeping Minnesota among the league's elite. Her latest milestone further solidified her Hall of Fame legacy and served as another reminder of the sustained excellence she's brought to the organization for more than a decade.

3. Azzi Fudd Becomes First Rookie and Huskie To Win 3-Point Contest

Azzi Fudd added another historic accomplishment to an already impressive rookie campaign during All-Star Weekend.

The Dallas Wings guard became the first rookie and the first former UConn Husky to win the WNBA 3-Point Contest, defeating one of the deepest fields in recent memory. Known for possessing one of basketball's purest shooting strokes dating back to her college career, Fudd showcased that same confidence under the brightest lights.

In the first round of the contest, Fudd would have 24 points, enough to move on to the final round. Fudd put on a show in the latter showing against Portland's Bridget Carleton, scoring 30 points, the second highest score in a finale in the WNBA 3-Point Contest. She also became the first Wings player to earn a win 

The victory not only earned her a place in WNBA history but also provided another glimpse into the bright future of one of the league's rising stars.

2. Caitlin Clark Records Historic 45-Point Masterpiece

Just days after returning from injury, Caitlin Clark reminded the basketball world exactly the type of player she can be.

The Indiana Fever superstar delivered the defining individual performance of July, erupting for a career-high 45 points and 10 assists in a thrilling 110-107 victory over the Seattle Storm. While her offense was in the spotlight, she also had two blocks and four steals, her defensive efforts gave the Fever another edge in their victory.

Clark became the first player in WNBA history to record at least 40 points and 10 assists in a single game, while also setting a new Fever franchise record for points in a game.

What made the performance even more remarkable was the timing. After missing several games with injury, questions surrounded how quickly Clark would return to peak form. She answered those questions with ease, shooting efficiently from all three levels while orchestrating Indiana's offense from start to finish. Every time Seattle threatened to take control, Clark responded with another deep three, difficult finish, or pinpoint assist. Clark would end the game shooting 11-for-18 from the field, and 6-for-10 from beyond the arc.

The historic outing was more than just another scoring explosion, it represented another milestone in Clark's already record-breaking career. She also became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 200 career three-pointers, further solidifying herself as one of the league's most electrifying offensive talents. In a month filled with unforgettable moments, Clark's masterpiece stood above nearly every regular-season performance and instantly entered the conversation as one of the greatest individual games the WNBA has ever seen.

1. All-Star Weekend Becomes Biggest Showcase in League History

The WNBA has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few seasons and nowhere was that more evident than during the league's 2026 All-Star Weekend.

Chicago became the center of the basketball world as fans packed United Center for a record-setting All-Star crowd of 19.873 while thousands more attended WNBA Live and other fan events throughout the weekend. The celebration marked the league's 30th anniversary, bringing together Hall of Famers, current superstars, rising rookies, celebrities, and fans to honor the WNBA's past while showcasing its future. Attendance, fan engagement, and national attention all reflected a league reaching new heights.

The weekend itself delivered unforgettable moments from start to finish. In addition to the sterling examples of Fudd, Jones, and Malonga mentioned above, stars like Clark, Mitchell, Wilson, Paige Bueckers, and Breanna Stewart showcased the incredible depth of talent currently defining the league.

Beyond the highlights, All-Star Weekend symbolized something much bigger than basketball. It served as a celebration of three decades of growth, resilience, and progress for the WNBA while illustrating how far the league has come both competitively and culturally. From sold-out arenas and record television audiences to unprecedented fan interaction and social media engagement, the weekend reflected a league that continues to reach new milestones year after year. This year's All-Star Game also surpassed the NBA's All-Star in-person attendance, the latter getting 15,973 back in February.

For one weekend, the WNBA wasn't just celebrating its history, it was showcasing its future. That is why no moment better defined July than the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend.

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