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Caitlin Clark Starts All-Star Game Amid Player Vote Snub

7/9/2026

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Summary

Clark Named Starter

Caitlin Clark was named a WNBA All-Star starter for the third straight season despite being ranked 11th by players.
Clark averaged a career-best 21.2 points (fourth) and 8.2 assists (second).
She placed second in fan votes, third in media, and eleventh in player votes, with only 85 of 180 players voting.
Candace Parker called the rankings “insecure,” prompting analysts to suggest shifting more voting power to fans, media, or coaches.

Summary

AT&T WNBA Chicago

2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will be at Chicago’s United Center on July 25, on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon will be honorary general managers, dropping player captains and letting coaches of teams with the best records after July 10 lead squads.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will name injury replacements as Kelsey Plum stays out with a lower-leg injury.
Nneka Ogwumike’s 11th selection ties her with Diana Taurasi for the second-most All-Star appearances.

Summary

Malonga Earns All-Star

Dominique Malonga, 20, earned an All-Star spot after returning from concussion symptoms on June 6 and posting 37 points on June 22.
Toronto Tempo guard Brittney Sykes missed the All-Star roster because of a plantar-fascia injury.
The WNBA named Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon honorary general managers for the All-Star selections, marking its 30th anniversary.
Crowds at Barclays Center and strong attendance in Chicago signal growing fan engagement ahead of the All-Star Game.

History

Historical Context

On July 14 1999 the WNBA held its first All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden, where the West beat the East 79–61 and Lisa Leslie earned MVP honors through fan-selected starters. The successful fan-vote model persisted, leading to the 2018 captain draft and the 2026 format that blends fan, player and media input.

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Clark Named Starter

Caitlin Clark was named a WNBA All-Star starter for the third straight season despite being ranked 11th by players.
Clark averaged a career-best 21.2 points (fourth) and 8.2 assists (second).
She placed second in fan votes, third in media, and eleventh in player votes, with only 85 of 180 players voting.
Candace Parker called the rankings “insecure,” prompting analysts to suggest shifting more voting power to fans, media, or coaches.

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