The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced the starters for the 2026 All-Star Game, scheduled for July 25 at Chicago’s United Center. The lineup was determined through a combination of fan, media, and player voting, with fans making up 50% of the vote, and current players and media each contributing 25%. However, player participation in the voting process was notably low, with only 85 out of 180 WNBA players, or approximately 47%, casting ballots.

According to reports, some teams faced challenges in administering player ballots, notably the Los Angeles Sparks, whose players reportedly did not receive their voting materials in a timely manner. The Sparks acknowledged the issue in a statement, explaining that ballots were distributed via email but some players either did not receive the emails or were unaware of them until after the voting deadline. The team committed to improving this process in the future.

Differences in voting preferences between the groups were evident. For instance, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark ranked second among fans, third with the media, but only 11th among players in the guard position vote. Her teammate, Aliyah Boston, led the fan vote for frontcourt players but placed fifth and eighth in the media and player votes, respectively. Analysts suggest that players may weigh factors differently, including possible biases toward teammates or close associates.

The guards chosen as starters reflect a mix of emerging talent and established stars. Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark is averaging career bests in points (21.2), shooting efficiency, and assists (8.2 per game), ranking second overall behind Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas. Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles leads all rookies in both scoring (18.7 points per game) and assists (5.7 per game), and recently set a rookie record for three-pointers in a game. Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers, the reigning rookie of the year, is contributing 19.9 points and 5.9 assists per game, while Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, a four-time All-Star, is leading her team with 21.6 points per game.

Among the forwards and centers are several standout performers. Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson leads the league in scoring (25.7 points per game) and blocks, with strong rebounding and versatile contributions across the board. New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, the Commissioner’s Cup MVP, is posting solid numbers in points, steals, blocks, and rebounds in her tenth WNBA season. Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard earned her first All-Star nod thanks to career highs in points, rebounds, and assists. Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams leads the league in steals and is showing a career-high scoring mark to earn her first time as an All-Star starter.

Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston is returning for her fourth consecutive All-Star appearance after a breakout season, showcasing improved shooting efficiency and expanding her range to include a strong 3-point shot. Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard returns as an All-Star for the third time, reaching career highs in several categories during what is considered a resurgence in her performance.

The WNBA’s 15 head coaches will select the 12 reserve players for the All-Star Game, which will feature talent at the peak of the league’s competitive season. The event promises to highlight the diverse skills and rising talent contributing to the sport’s growing popularity.