Full Breakdown
2026 WNBA All-Star Game: Starters Set, Reserve Selection Looms Amid Voting Controversy
7/7/2026, 11:33:46 AM
Starters Announced
The league announced the ten All-Star starters for the 2026 game: Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever), Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings), Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), Natasha Howard (Minnesota Lynx), Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx), Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever), Jessica Shepard (Dallas Wings), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries) and A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces).
Reserve Selection Process
Head coaches will fill a 12-player reserve pool—three guards, five frontcourt players and four at any position—without voting for their own team members. The two coaches whose teams hold the best records after July 10 will lead the All-Star squads. Legends Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon serve as honorary general managers, and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will name any injury replacements.
Voting Mechanics and Participation
All-Star voting combines fan (50 %), player (25 %) and media (25 %) ballots. Only about 85 of roughly 180 players submitted votes, a participation rate under 50 %. The Los Angeles Sparks said some players never received the ballot email, prompting a league apology and a pledge to improve distribution for future All-Star voting cycles.
Notable Player Performances
A'ja Wilson leads the league with 25.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. Aliyah Boston posts career-best 17.1 points and 8.6 rebounds. Caitlin Clark averages 21.2 points and 8.2 assists, ranking second in assists league-wide. Angel Reese tops the league with 11.8 rebounds per game and adds 14.9 points. Kelsey Plum, despite a lower-left-leg injury, remains second in scoring at 23.9 points per game.
Official Statements & Responses
The Los Angeles Sparks issued a statement acknowledging ballot-distribution failures and promising a more robust process. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said she will select any needed injury replacements.
Criticism & Opposition
Angel Reese called the Dream’s omission from the starter list “disrespectful” and a “slap in the face.” Lynne Roberts described Kelsey Plum’s exclusion as “shocking, but not surprising,” highlighting concerns about the voting system.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Kelsey Plum’s availability. ESPN notes she is out with a lower-left-leg injury and may be reevaluated in late July, while CBS Sports suggests she could still be named a reserve if cleared. Player-ballot participation is reported as “about 85” by ESPN and “only about 85” by CBS, leaving the exact count ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
“It’s shocking, but not surprising,” — Lynne Roberts, Head Coach, Los Angeles Sparks
“For us not to have anyone was just a slap in the face, but they're not going to say anything. I am,” — Angel Reese, Forward, Atlanta Dream
“Players were sent ballots via email,” — Los Angeles Sparks, Official Statement
What’s Next
Coaches will announce the 12 reserves on Tuesday. The AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will be held July 24-25 at Chicago’s United Center, concluding the league’s 30th-anniversary season celebrations.
