Elite Talent: Announcing the 2025 WNBA all-star Reserves
The excitement is building for the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game! The league has officially unveiled the 12 talented players chosen as reserves, adding more firepower to the star-studded rosters set to compete in Indianapolis. Headlining this impressive group are Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins, recognized as the WNBA’s fifth-highest active scorer, and Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, renowned as the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles.
The 2025 All-Star showcase is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, taking place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Fever. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET, with live broadcasts available on ABC, Disney+, and ESPN+.
How the Reserve Pool Was Selected
Unlike the starters, who were chosen through a weighted vote involving fans, players, and media, the All-Star reserves were determined by the WNBA’s 13 head coaches. Each coach cast votes for a total of 12 players, specifically selecting three guards, five frontcourt players, and four additional players regardless of their position. A crucial rule prevented coaches from voting for players on their own teams, ensuring a level playing field in the selection process.
This coaches’ vote resulted in a diverse list of players earning their spot among the league’s elite for the midseason classic.
Meet the 2025 WNBA All-Star Reserves
This year’s reserve class features a dynamic mix of seasoned veterans and exciting newcomers, reflecting the depth of talent across the WNBA. Leading the list are the accomplished stars Skylar Diggins and Alyssa Thomas, whose career achievements make them standout selections.
Joining them are players like Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, earning her second career All-Star nod just a year into her professional journey. The Las Vegas Aces’ Jackie Young and Los Angeles Sparks’ Kelsey Plum also secured their spots, marking their fourth consecutive All-Star appearances. Plum, a former All-Star Game MVP, joins the Sparks this season after winning two championships with the Aces.
First-Time All-Stars Highlight Reserve Selections
A notable aspect of the 2025 reserves is the inclusion of four first-time All-Stars: Washington Mystics rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton, and Seattle Storm guard Gabby Williams.
The selection of rookies Citron and Iriafen means three first-year players (including starter Paige Bueckers) will participate in the 2025 game, the most rookies featured since the 2011 event. Citron, drafted third overall, has impressed across multiple statistical categories for the Mystics. Iriafen, the fourth pick, has been a dominant force on the boards, ranking among the league’s top rebounders.
Kayla Thornton’s debut All-Star selection is particularly remarkable, coming in her tenth WNBA season. After being chosen by the expansion Golden State Valkyries, she’s stepped into a lead role, achieving career highs in scoring and rebounding and playing a key part in the team’s strong start. This makes her the second-most veteran player in WNBA history to earn their first All-Star selection.
Gabby Williams, a versatile forward for the Seattle Storm, earns her first selection in her sixth season. Known for her defensive prowess, she leads the league in steals while also posting career-best numbers in points and assists this year.
Full List of 2025 WNBA All-Star Reserves
Here is the complete list of the 12 players named as reserves, alongside some of their notable statistics and achievements leading to their selection:
Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics (1st Selection): Rookie guard, #3 pick. Ranks second among rookies in scoring (14.6 PPG) and high in rebounds and assists.
Skylar Diggins, Seattle Storm (7th Selection): Veteran guard in her 11th season. Fifth-leading active scorer. Ranks top 10 in the league in scoring (18.5 PPG) and top 5 in assists (5.9 APG) this season.
Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream (3rd Selection): 2022 Rookie of the Year and #1 pick. Earns third selection in four seasons. Leads the league in made three-pointers this season (49).
Kiki Iriafen, Washington Mystics (1st Selection): Rookie forward, #4 pick. Tied for fourth in the league in rebounding (8.3 RPG) and a key scorer for the Mystics.
Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever (3rd Selection): Guard earning her third straight selection. Ranks fifth in the WNBA in scoring (career-high 19.3 PPG) and fourth in made three-pointers.
Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks (4th Selection): Guard now in her first season with LA. Ranks fourth in league scoring (20.1 PPG), third in three-pointers, and seventh in assists. 2022 All-Star Game MVP.
Angel Reese, Chicago Sky (2nd Selection): Forward earning her second selection in as many seasons. Leads the league in overall and defensive rebounds per game (12.6 RPG, 8.3 DRPG). Second-youngest player with a WNBA triple-double.
Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury (6th Selection): Forward in her first season with Phoenix, making her fourth consecutive All-Star team. Leads the league in assists (9.4 APG) and ranks high in field goal percentage.
Kayla Thornton, Golden State Valkyries (1st Selection): Forward in her 10th season. Earns first selection leading the Valkyries with career highs in scoring (14.9 PPG) and rebounding (7.1 RPG).
Courtney Williams, Minnesota Lynx (2nd Selection): Guard helping lead the Lynx to the league’s best record. Tied for fourth in the league in assists (5.9 APG) alongside scoring and rebounding contributions.
Gabby Williams, Seattle Storm (1st Selection): Forward in her sixth season. Leads the WNBA in steals per game (2.6 SPG) and posting career bests in points and assists.
Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces (4th Selection): Guard and former #1 pick. Earns fourth consecutive selection. Ranks second on the Aces in scoring (17.3 PPG) and assists.
Joining the Stars: The 2025 Starters
These 12 reserves will join the 10 players previously announced as starters for the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game. The starters, selected by the combined votes of fans, players, and media, represent some of the biggest names in the league.
The 2025 All-Star starters include:
Guards: Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings), Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream), and Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty).
Frontcourt: Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever), Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle Storm), Satou Sabally (Phoenix Mercury), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), and A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces).
Two of these starters earned the honor of being All-Star captains by receiving the most fan votes: Indiana Fever phenom Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier. Clark received a WNBA record number of fan votes.
The All-Star Draft: Building the Teams
The stage is set for the captains to build their rosters! Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier will participate in the highly anticipated All-Star Draft. They will first select their teammates from the pool of the eight remaining starters (excluding themselves) and then fill out their rosters by drafting from the group of 12 reserves.
WNBA fans can tune in to watch the team rosters take shape during a special broadcast of WNBA Countdown on ESPN. The live draft event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Cheryl Reeve, coach of the Minnesota Lynx (holding the best record), will coach Team Clark, while Sandy Brondello of the New York Liberty will coach Team Collier. If any player selected for the game is unable to participate, a replacement will be named by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Beyond the Game: All-Star Weekend Events
The 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game is the centerpiece of a jam-packed weekend of activities in Indianapolis. Fans can look forward to experiencing more of the league’s top talent showcasing their skills.
The WNBA STARRY® 3-Point Contest and the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge are both scheduled to take place on Friday, July 18. These events will also be broadcast live on ESPN, starting at 8 p.m. ET, preceding the main All-Star game the following night. The weekend festivities also include WNBA Live presented by Panini, offering interactive fan experiences.
Notable Omissions: Who Didn’t Make the Cut?
While the All-Star rosters are filled with incredible talent, the selection process inevitably leads to discussions about deserving players who were not named. Based on current season performance, several names stand out as notable omissions that surprised many observers.
One of the most discussed snubs is Atlanta Dream center Brionna Jones. Despite having a standout season, including recording eight double-doubles in her first 18 games after having just 12 career double-doubles before this year, Jones was not selected. She ranked among the league’s best frontcourt players in metrics like win shares and rebounding, leading her general manager to publicly call her omission “one of the most ridiculous things.”
Another significant surprise is Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes. Averaging career highs in scoring and assists while maintaining her reputation as a top defender, Sykes was considered by many to be a strong candidate, potentially even for a starting spot.
Other players mentioned in discussions about potential snubs include Minnesota Lynx guards Kayla McBride and Alanna Smith, particularly given Minnesota’s league-leading record, and New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones, who has been impacted by injury this season. Notably, the Connecticut Sun are the only WNBA team without any players selected for the All-Star Game this year.
Team Representation Snapshot
The distribution of All-Stars across the league’s teams highlights where some of the top talent currently resides. Both the Seattle Storm and the Indiana Fever lead the league with three players selected each. Seattle is represented by Nneka Ogwumike (starter) and Skylar Diggins and Gabby Williams (reserves). The Fever boast Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston (starters) alongside Kelsey Mitchell (reserve).
Several teams, including the New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces, Washington Mystics, Atlanta Dream, and Phoenix Mercury, each have two All-Stars. The Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky, and Golden State Valkyries have one selection each, while the Connecticut Sun are the only team with no players named to the roster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were the 2025 WNBA All-Star reserves selected?
The 12 reserves for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game were chosen by the league’s 13 head coaches. Each coach voted for three guards, five frontcourt players, and four additional players regardless of position. Coaches were not permitted to vote for players from their own team.
When and where is the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game and Draft?
The 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis (8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, Disney+, ESPN+). The All-Star Draft, where captains Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier will select their teams, will take place on Tuesday, July 8, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Who are some notable players surprisingly left off the 2025 WNBA All-Star roster?
Two of the most discussed omissions from the 2025 WNBA All-Star roster are Atlanta Dream center Brionna Jones and Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes. Despite strong statistical seasons and significant impact for their teams, both players were not selected by the coaches, leading to surprise among fans and analysts.
Get Ready for All-Star Weekend!
With the full list of starters and reserves now announced, the stage is set for an exciting 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis. From the anticipation of the team draft to the skills competitions and the main event itself, fans have plenty to look forward to as the league’s best gather to showcase their talents. Stay tuned to see how the teams are drafted and who comes out on top!
