WNBA All-Star Game Starters Announced
On Thursday, July 2, the WNBA announced the starters for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. Votes from fans made up 50% of the selection, with the remaining 50% coming from active WNBA players (25%) and select media members (25%).
The chosen starters are as follows: Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson, New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers, Wings forward Jessica Shepard, Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles, Lynx forward Natasha Howard, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, Fever center/forward Aliyah Boston, and Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams.
Notably, players from the Atlanta Dream were not included. Angel Reese noticed the absence and defended her teammates Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, both of whom have three All-Star selections. “I expect to be disrespected,” Reese stated, as reported by ESPN’s Kareem Copeland. “For those two though, I think they work hard and adjust to the way they’re guarded every game. For us not to have anyone was just a slap in the face, but they’re not going to say anything. I am.”
While Reese praised the selected starters for their deserved recognition, she expressed disappointment that her and her team’s efforts weren’t reflected in the voting. “I haven’t really said much this year in the media, it’s been tough for me over the last two years,” Reese said. “But I feel it was important to speak for my teammates. I know the work they put in. I know team success is based off those two.”
The Chicago Sky traded Reese to the Dream on April 6. Since joining Atlanta, Reese has focused on winning the WNBA title. As of Thursday, the Dream are leading the Eastern Conference with a 12-7 record. Reese leads the WNBA in rebounds, averaging 11.6 per game, and has recorded 12 double-doubles in her first season with the Dream. She is expected to secure her third All-Star nod as a reserve.
Per the WNBA’s press release, voting for the 12 All-Star Game reserves is now open, with selections made by the league’s head coaches. The results will be announced next Tuesday, July 7. The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is set to occur at Chicago’s United Center on Saturday, July 25.