What Is 2001 WNBA All Star Game

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2001 WNBA All-Star Game was held on July 14, 2001, at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C., featuring the Eastern Conference defeating the Western Conference 84–74. Lisa Leslie of the Los Angeles Sparks was named MVP after scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

Key Facts

The 2001 WNBA All-Star Game took place on July 14, 2001.
It was hosted at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C.
The Eastern Conference won 84–74 over the Western Conference.
Lisa Leslie was named MVP with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
This was the third annual WNBA All-Star Game.

Overview

The 2001 WNBA All-Star Game marked the third edition of the league’s midseason showcase, highlighting the top talent across the Women's National Basketball Association. Held on July 14, 2001, the game took place at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C., drawing a crowd of over 14,000 fans and showcasing elite performances from the league’s most decorated players.

Unlike previous years, this edition featured a conference-based format, pitting the Eastern Conference against the Western Conference. The game served not only as entertainment but also as a platform to promote women’s professional basketball during a pivotal growth phase for the league.

Eastern Conference victory: The East defeated the West 84–74, marking their second consecutive All-Star win after a 73–61 victory in 2000.
Location significance: The game was hosted in Washington, D.C., a major media market, helping boost national visibility for the WNBA during its fifth season.
Most Valuable Player:Lisa Leslie of the Los Angeles Sparks earned MVP honors with 18 points and 10 rebounds, becoming the first player to win multiple All-Star Game MVPs.
Historical context: This was the third annual WNBA All-Star Game, following events in 1999 and 2000, both of which also used the East vs. West format.
Attendance: The MCI Center welcomed 14,284 fans, reflecting strong regional support and growing interest in women’s professional sports.

How It Works

The WNBA All-Star Game is structured to celebrate standout players through fan, media, and coach voting, culminating in a midseason exhibition. The 2001 format emphasized competitive balance and regional pride by aligning rosters with the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Voting Process:Fans, players, and coaches each contributed to selecting starters, with fan votes counting for 50% and the rest split between players and media.
Roster Selection: Each conference fielded 12 players, including two centers, four guards, four forwards, and two wildcards chosen by coaches.
Game Format: The game followed standard WNBA rules—four 10-minute quarters and a 24-second shot clock, differing from the NBA’s 12-minute quarters.
Coaching Staff: The head coaches were the leaders of the teams with the best records in each conference as of July 1, Van Chancellor (West) and Tom Maher (East).
Player Injuries:Yolanda Griffith was selected but missed the game due to injury, replaced by Tari Phillips of the New York Liberty.
Entertainment Value: The event included halftime performances and skills challenges, though these were less formalized than in later years, focusing primarily on the main game.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2001 WNBA All-Star Game with the two prior editions:

Year	Date	Location	Winner	Score	MVP
1999	July 15, 1999	Madison Square Garden, NY	West	79–61	Kim Perrot (in memoriam)
2000	July 9, 2000	Compaq Center, Houston	East	73–61	Debra McDaniel
2001	July 14, 2001	MCI Center, Washington, D.C.	East	84–74	Lisa Leslie
Average Attendance	—	~13,500	—	—	—
Format Consistency	All East vs. West	All indoor arenas	All mid-July	—	—

The 2001 game continued the established tradition of midseason exhibition play, maintaining the East vs. West format. It also reinforced the league’s strategy of rotating host cities to expand national exposure and fan engagement.

Why It Matters

The 2001 WNBA All-Star Game played a key role in legitimizing women’s professional basketball and showcasing star power during a formative era. It highlighted rising legends like Lisa Leslie and helped solidify the All-Star event as a staple of the league’s calendar.

Star Recognition: Lisa Leslie’s MVP performance reinforced her status as a league icon, boosting her marketability and influence beyond the court.
League Growth: The game’s broadcast on ABC reached millions, increasing visibility and attracting new fans to the WNBA’s fifth season.
Player Representation: The selection included 10 different teams, emphasizing balanced talent distribution across franchises despite league expansion.
Historical Benchmark: This was the last All-Star Game before the 2002 format shift to a USA vs. World theme, making it a transitional milestone.
Media Coverage: Major outlets like Sports Illustrated and ESPN provided in-depth coverage, treating the event with increasing journalistic seriousness.
Legacy Impact: The game helped lay groundwork for future All-Star events, which evolved into multi-day festivals with greater fan interaction.

Ultimately, the 2001 WNBA All-Star Game was more than just an exhibition—it was a statement of progress, professionalism, and the growing cultural significance of women’s sports in America.