Full Breakdown
Candace Parker Calls Out WNBA Player Voting After Caitlin Clark Ranked 11th Guard
7/10/2026, 1:51:00 PM
All-Star Voting Results Spark Debate
For the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, fan voting placed Caitlin Clark second, media voting third, but player voting ranked her as the 11th-best guard. The combined totals still named her a starter on the July 25 roster. Player ballots accounted for 25 % of the overall vote, yet only 85 of roughly 180 players submitted a ballot, according to an ESPN report cited by multiple outlets. The low turnout and the disparity between player rankings and fan/media rankings ignited immediate controversy.
Parker’s Critique of the Player Ballot
Seven-time All-Star Candace Parker, speaking on the July 8 “Post Moves” podcast with Aliyah Boston, described the result as “crazy” and urged the league to impose voting rules. She argued that the player vote “is getting out of hand” and suggested that the ranking reflects personal insecurities rather than on-court performance. Parker also singled out Kelsey Plum’s low placement, noting, “Kelsey Plum finished twelfth in player rank, but she be percolating all over your defense.”
Statistical Context for Clark’s Ranking
Clark entered the season averaging a career-best 21.2 points per game (fourth in the league) and 8.2 assists per game (second). She shot 43 % from the field. By contrast, the ten guards receiving more player votes—including Paige Bueckers, Rhyne Howard, Olivia Miles, Sonia Citron, Marina Mabrey, Allisha Gray and Kelsey Mitchell—generally posted lower scoring and assist numbers, with the exception of Mitchell.
Low Participation and Absence of Voting Rules
WNBA coaches are barred from voting for their own players when selecting reserves, but no comparable restriction exists for player ballots. The lack of a rule preventing teammates from supporting each other, combined with the fact that fewer than half of the players voted, has prompted calls for reform.
Potential Reforms Discussed
Commentators have proposed splitting the starter vote between fans and media, or granting coaches a say in that portion, to counterbalance the uneven player participation. Others suggest a rule prohibiting players from voting for teammates, though officials have not confirmed any imminent changes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's also kinda crazy. I wholeheartedly believe that there need to be some rules with the WNBA players, because this is getting out of hand.” — Candace Parker
- “When I sat down, as much as I did not like Diana Taurasi, there ain’t no way I’m not going to write her as an All-Star.” — Candace Parker
- “There is no way Caitlin Clark is the 11th best guard in the league.” — Annie Costabile, senior writer, The Athletic
- “Caitlin Clark was voted the 11th-best guard by WNBA players. I wholeheartedly believe there need to be some rules with the WNBA player voting. This is getting out of hand.” — Candace Parker
