What Is 1999 WNBA All-Star Game

Overview

The 1999 WNBA All-Star Game marked the league's second midseason showcase, highlighting the top talent from the Eastern and Western Conferences. Held during the league's third season, it demonstrated the growing popularity and competitive depth of women's professional basketball.

This game was notable for its timing and location, coinciding with a surge in national interest in women's sports following the 1996 Olympics and the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. The event drew significant media attention and strong attendance, reflecting the WNBA's expanding footprint.

• July 14, 1999 was the official date of the game, making it one of the earliest midsummer All-Star events in WNBA history.
• The game took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City, a major sports and entertainment venue that underscored the league's mainstream appeal.
• The final score was West 79, East 61, indicating a dominant performance by the Western Conference squad.
• Lisa Leslie of the Los Angeles Sparks earned MVP honors after recording 17 points and 9 rebounds in 23 minutes of play.
• The format featured East vs. West competition, a structure used by the WNBA from 1999 to 2002 before shifting to other formats in later years.

Player Performances and Key Moments

The 1999 All-Star Game showcased several standout players who helped define the early era of the WNBA. The West team's cohesion and defensive intensity set the tone early, leading to a decisive victory.

• Lisa Leslie not only led all scorers but also anchored the paint defensively, blocking two shots and altering several others.
• Cynthia Cooper of the Houston Comets added 14 points, leveraging her experience from the league's inaugural championship season.
• Yolanda Griffith contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds, achieving the game's only double-double and solidifying her All-Star status.
• Vickie Johnson scored 10 points off the East bench, one of only two players from her team to reach double figures.
• Sue Wicks of the New York Liberty pulled down 8 rebounds, the highest total among East players, despite her team's scoring struggles.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparison of key metrics between the 1999 WNBA All-Star Game and prior and subsequent editions:

The 1999 game was unique in that it was the only All-Star contest during this period where the West won by such a wide margin. In contrast, the 1998 and 2000 games were much closer, suggesting increased parity in later years. Attendance figures were not officially released, but media reports indicated a packed arena, consistent with the growing fan support for the league.

Why It Matters

The 1999 WNBA All-Star Game was more than just an exhibition—it symbolized the rising profile of women's basketball and the league's ability to draw star power and national attention. Held during a pivotal year for women's sports, it contributed to broader cultural momentum.

• The game occurred just weeks before the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup final, which drew over 90,000 fans to the Rose Bowl, creating a synergistic boost for female athletes.
• Lisa Leslie's MVP performance solidified her status as a marquee player, helping elevate the Los Angeles Sparks' visibility.
• The East vs. West format emphasized regional rivalries and helped fans identify with conference-based teams.
• Media coverage from networks like NBC and ESPN expanded the game's reach, contributing to higher viewership than in 1998.
• The event demonstrated that major arenas like Madison Square Garden could successfully host women's basketball showcases.
• It helped lay the groundwork for future All-Star innovations, including fantasy drafts and international formats introduced in later decades.

Ultimately, the 1999 WNBA All-Star Game served as a milestone in the league's early development, showcasing elite talent and proving that women's professional sports could thrive on a national stage.