Microsoft’s global service outage on Friday, which affected banks, hospitals, train stations and airports, had ripple effects across the sports world, causing Indiana Fever star Erica Wheeler to miss the WNBA Skills Challenge in Phoenix as part of the league’s All-Star weekend.
Wheeler was attempting to fly from Atlanta to Phoenix for the event when she became stranded at the airport, forcing teammate Kelsey Mitchell to take her place in the festivities.
By being stranded in Atlanta, Wheeler missed out on a chance to win $55,000, which was given to individual winners of the skills challenge and 3-point shooting contest.
For the first time in league history, the same person won both events: Allisha Gray of the Atlanta Dream.
New York Liberty star Jonquel Jones and Phoenix Mercury standout Sophie Cunningham were runners-up in each event.
Wheeler had to miss the WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge on Friday due to the Microsoft service outage.
Hundreds of flights were delayed or cancelled across the country due to Microsoft service outage
Wheeler was reportedly supported by teammate Caitlin Clark, who sat on the ground during the event.
“I’m so hurt! But I want to THANK Delta employees Geraldine Bird and Pamela Palmer in ATL for helping me out throughout the day. Also to Mel Raines, CEO of Indiana Fever/Pacer, for calling around the world to get me a charter flight, but nothing was available!” Wheeler said on social media.
Friday night’s WNBA All-Star Game will be combined with Saturday night’s All-Star Game, where Team USA will face the WNBA All-Stars.
All twelve members of Team USA play in the WNBA, while the WNBA stars are arguably the league’s top stars who weren’t chosen for a spot in Paris.
WNBA All-Stars included Clark and Chicago Sky star Angel Reese, although neither made the Olympic team.
Some of the league’s veteran stars, including Sabrina Ionescu, A’ja Wilson and Brittney Griner, will be part of Team USA.