Stars and Surprises of the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game: A Star-Studded Lineup

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is set to be a showcase of the league’s top talent, with some of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball set to compete. The event, scheduled for July 25 at the United Center and televised on ABC, features a 22-player pool that includes both seasoned veterans and rising stars.

Among the standout selections are Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart. These players represent a mix of established champions, emerging superstars, and first-time All-Stars. However, the roster has also sparked discussions due to notable omissions, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming game.

Fan Votes and First-Time Selections

Paige Bueckers was the clear fan favorite, receiving more votes than any other player and earning her second consecutive starting selection. The Dallas Wings guard had an impressive season, averaging nearly 20 points and six assists per game during her second WNBA season.

Caitlin Clark finished second in the fan vote and was selected for her third consecutive All-Star Game. The Indiana Fever guard was putting up career-high numbers in scoring and assists when the starters were announced.

A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart bring veteran experience to the lineup. Each was selected for their eighth All-Star Game, a testament to their consistent excellence. Wilson led the league in scoring, while Stewart continued to anchor the New York Liberty’s frontcourt.

The rest of the starting lineup includes Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell of the Fever, Natasha Howard and rookie Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx, Jessica Shepard of the Wings, and Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries.

Olivia Miles and Jessica Shepard are making their All-Star debuts, while Kelsey Mitchell earned her first starting selection. Gabby Williams, who has emerged as one of the league’s top defensive players, also received her first starting nod.

Coaches’ Reserves and Notable Omissions

The 10 starters were chosen through a weighted voting system, with fans accounting for 50% of the results, and current WNBA players and media members each contributing 25%. The remaining 12 reserves were selected by the league’s head coaches.

Nneka Ogwumike leads the reserve group with her 11th All-Star selection, tying Diana Taurasi for the second-most in league history behind Sue Bird’s 13.

Other notable reserves include Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, and Allisha Gray of the Atlanta Dream; Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks; Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces; Jonquel Jones of the Liberty; Courtney Williams of the Lynx; and Washington Mystics teammates Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen.

Marina Mabrey of the Toronto Tempo and Dominique Malonga of the Seattle Storm were also selected for their first All-Star appearances.

Mabrey’s selection came after a breakout start to the season, including a 53-point performance against Los Angeles. She tied the WNBA’s single-game scoring record and matched the league record with nine made 3-pointers. Malonga, meanwhile, became Seattle’s leading scorer and rebounder during her second professional season.

Controversial Omissions and Debate

Despite the star-studded lineup, several players were left out, sparking debate among fans and analysts. Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was one of the most discussed omissions. The six-time All-Star was averaging 14.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and a league-leading 8.4 assists per game when the reserves were announced. Thomas had not missed an All-Star Game while healthy since 2019, making her absence particularly surprising.

Toronto guard Brittney Sykes also had a strong case before suffering a plantar fascia injury in June. Sykes was averaging a career-best 20.1 points per game before being sidelined. Portland Fire guard Carla Leite was another player who received consideration after averaging more than 15 points and five assists while helping lead an expansion roster.

The snub debate highlights a broader issue in the modern WNBA: the league has more All-Star-caliber players than available roster spots.

Honorary General Managers and the Future of the League

As part of the WNBA’s 30th-season celebration, former stars Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon will serve as honorary general managers. They will draft the two All-Star teams from the 22-player pool.

No matter how the teams are divided, the 2026 All-Star Game will offer a glimpse into the current state of the WNBA—where longtime champions share the floor with a new generation of players quickly becoming household names.