All three Indiana Fever All-Stars will come together to represent their team at the highly anticipated WNBA All-Star Game, set to take place in Indianapolis on July 19. The rosters for the game were officially announced on Tuesday, following a dynamic draft led by team captains Caitlin Clark of the Fever and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx. Both captains emerged as the top vote-getters in fan balloting, showcasing their popularity and talent.
In an exciting draft format, Clark and Collier selected their teams starting with the eight remaining starters before filling out their rosters with 12 reserves. One unique aspect of this year’s All-Star Game is the trade involving head coaches. Initially, Minnesota's Cheryl Reeve was designated to coach Team Clark, as she leads the team with the league's best record as of July 3. In a twist, the New York Liberty’s Sandy Brondello, who was assigned to Team Collier, traded coaching duties with Reeve. This change was made to keep Collier and Reeve together, as they currently work as coach and player for the Lynx.
In the roster draft, Caitlin Clark made strategic choices, selecting both of her Fever teammates. She secured forward/center Aliyah Boston as her first pick and guard Kelsey Mitchell as her tenth pick. Alongside Clark and Boston, Team Clark features notable starters like Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (pick No. 3), three-time WNBA MVP center A'ja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces (No. 5), and Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (No. 7). Team Clark's bench is bolstered by Mitchell and includes Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams (pick No. 12), Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron (No. 14), and Aces guard Jackie Young (No. 18), among others.
Napheesa Collier made her selections thoughtfully, starting with her former UConn and USA Basketball teammate, Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, who she picked second overall. The remaining starters for Team Collier include Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (pick No. 4), Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (No. 6), and Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (No. 8). Collier's reserves comprise Lynx teammate Courtney Williams (pick No. 9), Storm guard Skylar Diggins (No. 11), and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (No. 13), along with several other talented players.
Throughout the drafting process, discussions about potential trades ensued, but ultimately no player exchanges took place. Clark initially proposed a trade involving Sabally for Stewart, aiming to unite both Liberty stars under Brondello’s coaching. However, Collier countered with an offer that would require Clark to give up Boston for Stewart, which did not materialize.
As the excitement builds for the All-Star Game, fans can look forward to the All-Star 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge, scheduled for July 18 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. The main event, the All-Star Game, is set for July 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on ABC, Disney+, and ESPN+. All events will be hosted at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home venue of the Indiana Fever, marking a special occasion for both players and fans alike.
