WNBA All-Star Game 2026: Starters Announced and Reactions

On Thursday, July 2, the WNBA revealed the starters for the upcoming 2026 All-Star Game. Fans made up 50% of the voting, with active WNBA players contributing 25% and select media members accounting for the remaining 25%.

The starters chosen are 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, no players from the Atlanta Dream were selected as starters. Angel Reese voiced her disappointment at this omission, advocating for her teammates Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, who each have three All-Star appearances. “I expect to be disrespected,” Reese mentioned according to ESPN’s Kareem Copeland. “For those two though, I think they work so hard and they put a lot of work in, and the way that they’re guarded every game and they [have to] adjust. The reason why we’re where we are is because of those two.”

Reese acknowledged the achievements of those named starters, but she expressed dissatisfaction her team’s efforts were not acknowledged. “I haven’t really said much this year in the media, because honestly it’s been tough for me over the last two years,” Reese explained. “But I feel like it was important for me to speak for my teammates that don’t necessarily speak for themselves all the time. I know the work they put in. I know the reason why I’m in Atlanta is because of them. I know that the team success is based off those two as well.”

Angel Reese joined the Dream from the Chicago Sky on April 6, motivated by her drive to win the WNBA title. Currently, the Dream are 12-7 and leading the Eastern Conference. Reese leads the league with an average of 11.6 rebounds per game and has achieved 12 double-doubles in her first season with Atlanta.

As a two-time All-Star, Reese is likely to secure her third consecutive All-Star appearance as a reserve. The selection for the 12 All-Star Game reserves is currently underway, determined by the league’s head coaches. The results will be announced on July 7. The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is set to be held at Chicago’s United Center on Saturday, July 25.