Windy City Shines Bright: 2022 WNBA All-Star Week and Kelsey Plum’s Record-Breaking Debut

Set Against Chicago’s Winter Skyline

Chicago—the “Windy City”—becomes a spectacular stage for professional basketball when the WNBA descends upon it for the All-Star festivities. In 2022, the city’s energy was electric. With navy and red banners waving over iconic venues like the United Center and spotlighting the League’s first major event post-pandemic, All-Star Week wasn’t just about the game—it was a declaration: the WNBA is back with power, passion, and full thundering force.

Las Vegas Aces Make Noise

The Las Vegas Aces, one of the WNBA’s powerhouse rosters, were front and center throughout the week. Their superstar guard, Kelsey Plum, made waves in her All-Star debut, stepping onto the court of the biggest showcase of the season—and delivering a performance fans still talk about.

Historic MVP Debut for Kelsey Plum

In only her first All-Star Game, Plum scored a whopping 30 points for Team ‘Wilson’, matching the legendary Maya Moore’s record for most points in an All-Star debut. Her explosive scoring transcended back-to-back rim attacks, deep threes, and buzzer-beaters. Every time she drove baseline or pulled up from deep, the Windy City crowd rose in unison.

Plum’s performance wasn’t just about hitting shots—it was a statement that established WNBA stars can burst through the scene just as quickly, brilliantly, and memorably as any icon.

Relentless from Beyond the Arc

Fans at the 3-Point Contest watched Plum rain shots in two fashions: clinical drills and record-setting. Though she officially placed sixth in the 3-point competition, she saved her real fireworks for the All-Star Game. There, she knocked down 12 three-pointers, the most ever recorded in one WNBA All-Star Game—a new league record. The slick release, accuracy, and composure under pressure highlighted her as one of the game’s hottest talents.

Controversy Over the Trophy Size

While Plum’s court performance dazzled, a side note during post-game coverage ignited outrage: the MVP trophy itself was shockingly small. Fans and commentators remarked that it looked more like a party favor than a championship piece. Social media erupted with memes—shots of the tiny trophy next to phones, drinks, and stuffed animals—and questions about how the League values its stars.

The outrage wasn’t just comedic; it sparked broader debates about equality, investment, and how the WNBA packages and celebrates its greatest moments.

Joe Rogan’s Mic-Drop Commentary

Before all this (in a later moment of commentary that outraged some and entertained others), comedian Joe Rogan tackled Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia—and used that to segue into sports commentary.

On The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Rogan expressed dismay that the WNBA and US Soccer boasted stellar achievements but were failing to attract fans. His words were blunt: “It’s like women failed the WNBA, not men.” The remark—that female fans were letting down women’s leagues—sparked criticism, but it speaks to broader frustrations around support, visibility, and business in women’s sports.

Beyond the Court: Why This All-Star Matters

Kelsey Plum’s record-setting performance was undeniably about talent. But the moment’s ripples went further—highlighting the WNBA’s progress and the hurdles still ahead:

A record-breaking arrival, matching and exceeding expectations set by veterans like Maya Moore.

A league still grappling with presentation, as seen in fan backlash over the MVP statuette.

A broader conversation about engagement, fundraising, and visibility—ufuels outrage among viewers that critical sports publics need real support if leagues want to grow