The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game is fast approaching, and fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown between Team Clark and Team Collier. The rosters for this highly anticipated event have been finalized after an exciting draft process. Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier, the captains of their respective teams, have selected their players, and the stage is set for an unforgettable game.
Draft Process and Team Selections
Team Clark
Coach: Sandy Brondello, Liberty
| Player | Position | Team | Pick No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark | Guard | Fever | Captain |
| Aliyah Boston | Center | Fever | 1 |
| Sabrina Ionescu | Guard | Liberty | 3 |
| A’ja Wilson | Forward | Aces | 5 |
| Satou Sabally | Forward | Mercury | 7 |
| Kelsey Mitchell | Guard | Fever | 10 |
| Gabby Williams | Forward | Storm | 12 |
| Sonia Citron | Guard | Mystics | 14 |
| Kiki Iriafen | Forward | Mystics | 16 |
| Jackie Young | Guard | Aces | 18 |
| Kayla Thornton | Forward | Valkyries | 20 |
Team Collier
Coach: Cheryl Reeve, Lynx
| Player | Position | Team | Pick No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Napheesa Collier | Forward | Lynx | Captain |
| Breanna Stewart | Forward | Lynx | 2 |
| Allisha Gray | Guard | Dream | 4 |
| Nneka Ogwumike | Forward | Storm | 6 |
| Paige Bueckers | Guard | Wings | 8 |
| Courtney Williams | Guard | Lynx | 9 |
| Skylar Diggins | Guard | Storm | 11 |
| Angel Reese | Forward | Sky | 13 |
| Alyssa Thomas | Forward | Mercury | 15 |
| Kelsey Plum | Guard | Sparks | 17 |
| Rhyne Howard | Guard | Dream | 19 |
Key Takeaways from the Draft
Collier’s Statement on Unrivaled
One of the most notable aspects of the draft was Napheesa Collier’s choice of attire and her vocal support for Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league she co-founded with Breanna Stewart. Collier wore a black shirt with a big “U” on the front, representing Unrivaled, instead of any Lynx gear. Throughout the draft, she emphasized her Unrivaled teammates before mentioning her Lynx teammates. This was a clear statement as negotiations continue between the players and the WNBA on a new collective bargaining agreement.
Coach Swap
Another interesting development was the decision by Clark and Collier to swap coaches after the draft. Initially, Cheryl Reeve was set to coach Team Clark due to the Minnesota Lynx’s best record and Clark’s highest fan votes. However, the captains agreed to trade coaches, with Sandy Brondello now coaching Team Clark and Cheryl Reeve coaching Team Collier. This decision was made to ensure a more balanced and fair coaching arrangement.
Clark’s Team Strategy
Caitlin Clark’s strategy for the draft was evident from the start. She aimed to have her Indiana Fever teammates Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston on her team. Clark successfully selected Boston with the first pick in the first round and Mitchell in the second round. This marks the second consecutive year that the Fever’s Big Three will play together in the All-Star Game. They previously united in 2024 and helped Team WNBA score an upset win over Team USA. This year, they hope to lead Team Clark to victory in front of their hometown fans in Indianapolis.
All-Star Weekend Schedule
The All-Star Weekend is set for June 18-19 in Indianapolis, with the Fever hosting the event for the first time in franchise history. The festivities will begin with the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest on Friday, followed by the All-Star Game on Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How were the captains selected?
Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier were selected as captains based on receiving the most fan votes. This year set a record for fan voting, with Clark receiving 1,293,526 votes and Collier receiving 1,176,020 votes.
Why did the captains swap coaches?
The captains decided to swap coaches to ensure a more balanced and fair coaching arrangement. Initially, Cheryl Reeve was set to coach Team Clark, but the captains agreed to trade coaches after the draft.
What is the significance of Napheesa Collier’s support for Unrivaled?
Collier’s support for Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league she co-founded, is a statement in the ongoing negotiations between the players and the WNBA on a new collective bargaining agreement. She emphasized the success and popularity of Unrivaled as a benchmark for what the players expect from the WNBA.
When and where is the All-Star Weekend taking place?
The All-Star Weekend is scheduled for June 18-19 in Indianapolis. The Fever will be hosting the event for the first time in franchise history.
Who are the coaches for the All-Star Game?
Sandy Brondello will coach Team Clark, and Cheryl Reeve will coach Team Collier. The coaches were determined by the WNBA teams with the best records through July 4.
As the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game approaches, fans can look forward to an exciting matchup between Team Clark and Team Collier. With star players and strategic team selections, this year’s game promises to be a thrilling event.