Get ready, basketball fans! The 2025 WNBA all-star Game is set to deliver a thrilling midseason showcase featuring the league’s biggest stars. For the first time ever, Indianapolis will host the highly anticipated event, rolling out a “Red Hot Summer” carpet of activities surrounding the main game. Mark your calendars for a weekend packed with talent, competition, and community celebration at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the players selected, the weekend schedule, how to watch, and all the exciting events happening in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Hosts the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend
Indianapolis is buzzing as it prepares to welcome the WNBA’s elite for the 2025 All-Star festivities. The main events will unfold at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home of the Indiana Fever. The city’s selection marks a significant moment, bringing the midseason classic to the heart of basketball country for the very first time. The official weekend runs from July 17-19, with the main game capping things off on Saturday, July 19. Tip-off for the All-Star Game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ABC.
The decision to host in Indianapolis leverages the city’s recent success with major basketball events, including a well-received NBA All-Star Weekend. Organizers are collaborating with local partners, including the annual Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration, to integrate a wide array of cultural and fan-focused experiences throughout the city. This promises an All-Star Weekend that extends well beyond the court.
The Star Power Arrives: Captains, Starters, and Reserves
The foundation of any All-Star Game is its roster, showcasing the league’s top talent. The 2025 selection process combined fan enthusiasm, player respect, and media insight to choose the players who earned their spot. This year’s format features team captains drafting their rosters, moving away from the traditional conference matchup.
The Captains: Clark and Collier Lead the Way
Headlining the event as team captains are two of the league’s most dynamic stars: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier. Both players earned this honor by finishing as the top two vote-getters in the fan balloting, which accounted for 50% of the starter selection weight.
Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, led all players with an astounding 1,293,526 fan votes. Collier, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, secured the second spot with 1,176,020 votes. Their selection as captains means they will have the exciting task of building their own rosters, picking from the pool of remaining starters and then the reserves.
How the All-Star Teams Will Be Drafted
The highly anticipated player draft featuring captains Clark and Collier is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8. Fans can tune in to an hourlong edition of WNBA Countdown on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET to watch the selections unfold live. The captains will first draft from the eight players named as starters who were not designated captains. Following this, they will select from the pool of 12 reserves. This serpentine draft format ensures an exciting mix of talent on both squads.
Meet the 2025 WNBA All-Star Starters
The initial group of ten players named as All-Star starters represents a blend of established superstars and rising talents. These players were chosen based on a weighted voting system: 50% from fans, 25% from current WNBA players, and 25% from a media panel. The top two vote-getters overall became captains, while the next eight highest vote-getters were also named starters.
Here are the 2025 WNBA All-Star Starters:
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever (Guard) – 2nd appearance, Captain
Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx (Frontcourt) – 5th appearance, Captain
Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever (Frontcourt) – 3rd appearance
Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings (Guard) – 1st appearance
Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream (Guard) – 3rd appearance
Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty (Guard) – 4th appearance
Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm (Frontcourt) – 10th appearance
Satou Sabally, Phoenix Mercury (Frontcourt) – 3rd appearance
Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty (Frontcourt) – 7th appearance
A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces (Frontcourt) – 7th appearance
Notable selections include Nneka Ogwumike joining an elite group of WNBA legends with her 10th All-Star nod. Indiana Fever teammate Aliyah Boston also received significant fan support, placing third overall in voting. Rookie Paige Bueckers earned a starting spot in her first season, highlighting her immediate impact.
All-Star Reserves Announced
Adding further depth to the All-Star rosters are the twelve players named as reserves. These players were selected by the WNBA’s 13 head coaches. Coaches voted for three guards, five frontcourt players, and four players at either position (“wild cards”), without regard to conference. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own players.
Here is the full list of 2025 WNBA All-Star Reserves:
Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics (Guard) – 1st appearance
Skylar Diggins, Seattle Storm (Guard) – 7th appearance
Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream (Guard) – 3rd appearance
Kiki Iriafen, Washington Mystics (Frontcourt) – 1st appearance
Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever (Guard) – 3rd appearance
Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks (Guard) – 4th appearance
Angel Reese, Chicago Sky (Frontcourt) – 2nd appearance
Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury (Frontcourt) – 6th appearance
Kayla Thornton, Golden State Valkyries (Frontcourt) – 1st appearance
Courtney Williams, Minnesota Lynx (Guard) – 2nd appearance
Gabby Williams, Seattle Storm (Guard) – 1st appearance
Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces (Guard) – 4th appearance
Several players are making their first career All-Star appearances, including rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen of the Washington Mystics, Kayla Thornton of the Golden State Valkyries, and Gabby Williams of the Seattle Storm. Their inclusion alongside seasoned veterans like Skylar Diggins and Alyssa Thomas ensures a competitive and exciting game.
Coaching the All-Star Squads
Guiding the All-Star teams from the sidelines will be two of the league’s top head coaches. The coaching honors are typically given to the head coaches of the two teams with the best records in the league through a specific cutoff date, regardless of conference. For 2025, based on records through the end of play on July 3, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve (15-2 record) and New York Liberty coach Sandy Brondello (12-5 record) earned the spots.
Interestingly, the coach with the best record, Cheryl Reeve, will lead Team Clark, aligning the coach with the captain who received the most fan votes. Sandy Brondello will coach Team Collier. This setup adds another unique element to the 2025 All-Star Game structure.
WNBA All-Star Weekend: Skills, Shots, and Fan Fun
The excitement of the All-Star Game is just one part of a packed weekend. The festivities officially tip off with two fan-favorite events: the WNBA 3-point Contest and the Skills Challenge. Both events will take place on Friday, July 18, starting at 8 p.m. ET, also at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN. These contests highlight individual player talents, from long-range shooting prowess to ball-handling and passing skills, setting the stage for Saturday’s main event.
Beyond the Court: The Indianapolis All-Star Experience
Indianapolis is rolling out the red carpet with a diverse schedule of events designed to engage fans of all ages under the banner of a “Red Hot Summer.” Leveraging the city’s vibrant culture, the weekend integrates community events, art, music, food, and more, much of it coinciding with the annual Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration.
Key fan experiences include:
WNBA Live! 2025: Taking place July 18-19 at the Indiana Convention Center, this ticketed event ($25, free for under 12) offers interactive fan zones, player appearances, and merchandise.
WNBA All-Star Bounce: A free downtown dribble parade for children on July 19, culminating in a fun event.
Community Events: Expect various parties, including an “Adults Only”: Love & Basketball Edition hosted by Pacers guard Lance Stephenson and The Tip-Off post-game party.
Food & Drink: Explore Indianapolis’s culinary scene, including restaurants recommended by Fever stars like Caitlin Clark’s favorites (Prime 47, Bru Burger), Aliyah Boston’s pick (Jamaican Style Jerk), and Kelsey Mitchell’s go-to (Kountry Kitchen Soul Food Place). The Indiana Brewers Guild Summerfest on July 19 offers samples from local breweries.
Art & Culture: Discover basketball-themed art, including murals of WNBA legend Tamika Catchings downtown. The Cultural Arts Pavilion and Art Speaks Café at the Convention Center, part of the Black Expo, will feature exhibits focusing on empowerment and resilience, including a sneaker bar exhibit.
Live Music: A range of concerts are scheduled, from Fever Fest on July 19 featuring The Kid Laroi and G-Eazy at Everwise Amphitheater (which also includes a watch party) to the Indiana Black Expo’s Music Heritage Festival with R&B stars like Keith Sweat and SWV.
- Women-Focused Events: Events like the Indy Fan Linkup and the “For the Girls–Day Party” cater specifically to women fans and entrepreneurs, offering unique networking and celebration opportunities.
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The city’s extensive lineup ensures there’s something for everyone, transforming the WNBA All-Star Weekend into a true city-wide festival.
Getting There: Tickets and How to Watch
Experiencing the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend live requires securing tickets. While primary tickets may be limited, options are available on secondary markets like Vivid Seats. Prices fluctuate based on demand and seating location. As of recent checks, tickets for the Friday Night events (Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest) started significantly lower, around $27 before fees, offering an accessible way to be part of the weekend. Tickets for the All-Star Game itself were priced higher, starting around $166 for 200-level seats and potentially reaching over $2,000 for floor access on the secondary market. It is important to note that these prices are dynamic and subject to change.
For those unable to attend in person, comprehensive broadcast coverage is available. The Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest on Friday, July 18, will air live on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET. The main All-Star Game on Saturday, July 19, tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on ABC, with streaming options likely available on ESPN+ and Disney+.
A Look Back: WNBA All-Star History
The WNBA All-Star Game has a rich history showcasing the league’s evolution and its legendary players. The event has served as both a celebration of current talent and, in some years, a platform for competition against the U.S. Women’s National Team, as seen in the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics. This year’s return to a captain-led draft format promises a fresh dynamic. Players like Nneka Ogwumike joining the exclusive group of players with 10 or more selections, alongside icons like Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings, Brittney Griner, and Diana Taurasi, underscores the event’s place in league history and the longevity of its greatest athletes. Indianapolis adds its name to the list of cities that have hosted this premier midseason showcase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when is the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game taking place?
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET. This marks the first time Indianapolis has hosted the league’s midseason classic. The broader WNBA All-Star Weekend runs from July 17-19, featuring additional events around the city.
Where can I find tickets for WNBA All-Star weekend events in Indianapolis?
Tickets for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game and the Friday night events (Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest) may be available through official channels or on secondary marketplaces like Vivid Seats. Prices vary significantly depending on the event and seating location. Friday event tickets have been seen starting around $27 before fees on secondary markets, while Saturday’s game tickets typically start higher, around $166 before fees, and can reach much higher for premium seats.
Who are the captains and how were the 2025 WNBA All-Star teams chosen?
The captains for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game are Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier. They were named captains as the top two overall vote-getters from the fan balloting (50% of starter vote). The ten starters were selected via a weighted vote (50% fans, 25% players, 25% media). The 12 reserves were chosen by the league’s head coaches. Clark and Collier will draft their teams from the pool of starters and reserves on July 8th, live on ESPN.
Conclusion
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis is shaping up to be a landmark event. From the star-studded rosters led by captains Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier to the exciting skills competitions and a citywide celebration of basketball and culture, there is ample reason for excitement. Whether you plan to attend in person or watch the action unfold on ABC and ESPN, the weekend promises to highlight the incredible talent and growing popularity of the WNBA. Stay tuned for the roster draft on July 8th as the teams take shape for what is sure to be a memorable showcase.
