A'ja Wilson Holds Court at Hennessy's 2x2 All Star Showcase

A’ja Wilson and Hennessy didn’t just bring the WNBA’s top players to All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, they brought culture to the hardwood. The energy in the air was a palpable mix of high-stakes competition and familial joy. The court was at the center of this fly family reunion. As the official spirit of the NBA, Hennessy has long been synonymous with the game’s biggest moments, and this year’s All-Star Weekend was no exception. With a tech-forward CGI reveal narrated by two-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson, and an electrifying 2 vs. 2 showcase at San Francisco City Hall, Hennessy raised the bar and once again proved why they always set the standard.

As the sun dipped behind San Francisco City Hall, the court glowed, turning into an open-air arena where the line between competition and camaraderie blurred. A’ja Wilson, reflecting on why she teamed up with Hennessy for this event, shared, “We saw the energy that it had last year and I just really wanted to be a part of something like this,” she said. “I feel like Hennessy is a brand that could really bring together culture in sports, and that's kind of what my goal is in life and basketball—merging culture and sport and showing young girls [and] young boys that they can really thrive in that space.”

Four of the WNBA’s biggest stars—DiJonai Carrington, Arike Ogunbowale, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray—took the court, not just as competitors, but as sisters in the game, turning the matchup into a showcase of both elite skill and genuine fun. The rules were simple: the first team to 15 points wins. Representing "The Town," Carrington and Ogunbowale faced off against "The City" duo of Young and Gray. But despite the $20,000 cash prize and the bragging rights that hung in the balance, the love on the court was undeniable. Teammates in the league, rivals for the night, the players were locking in, crossing each other up, and talking trash, all with huge smiles and mid-play laughs that had the crowd cracking up alongside them.

The star power courtside was just as strong as the competition, with Victoria Monét, Karrueche Tran, and Jordyn Woods cheering on the powerhouses playing on the court. A’ja Wilson, working the mic like the funniest family member at the cookout, kept the energy lit with her signature roasts, turning every highlight play into a comedic moment and every ref call into a running joke. Her banter with Ref Rob had the crowd cracking up, making the whole event feel less like a high-stakes basketball game and more like a backyard pick-up game.

Early on, The City came out blazing, locking in an 8-2 lead and looking like they had the game secured. But in a moment straight out of a sports movie, "The Town" pulled off an insane comeback and got the W and the $20,000 prize. I caught up with A’ja Wilson postgame to discuss her first time partnering with Hennessy for this 2x2 tournament, and the burning question? Now that she’s part of the Hennessy Arena series, will she lace up and play in the 2x2 next year in LA if Hennessy runs it back? Her answer: “Now that I see it's $20k on the floor. I might take them up on that offer, but I'm just happy to be a part of the Hennessy family.”

After watching A’ja call the game—roasting her teammates for missed shots one second, hyping them up the next—it was clear her bond with them ran deeper than just competition. Her commentary wasn’t just hilarious; it was a reminder of the sisterhood that defines the league. I had to ask if she showed that same love to the next generation of hoopers set to take over.

"Without hesitation, she nodded. “I reach out to them as much as I can. Like Juju, Paige—I’ve always admired their game and how they handle everything. So yeah, definitely excited to see them at the next level as well.”

Whether she’s gassing up her teammates mid-game, passing wisdom to the next wave of superstars, or keeping the crowd entertained, she’s always about uplifting the culture. That energy is what made the Hennessy Arena 2x2 showcase more than just a game. Whether you were courtside or tuning in on the WNBA’s YouTube channel, one thing was clear: when Hennessy steps onto the court, it’s never just about basketball—it’s about culture, community, and a movement that keeps growing.