WNBA All-Star Starters Announced Amid Controversy

The WNBA revealed the starting lineup for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game on Thursday, July 2. Voting consisted of contributions from fans (50%) and the rest split between active WNBA players (25%) and select media members (25%).

The chosen starters 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 absent are Atlanta Dream players, sparking a response from Angel Reese. She defended Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, both having three All-Star appearances. Reese expressed disappointment in the oversight, emphasizing their hard work and contribution to the team’s success. Reese told ESPN’s Kareem Copeland, “I expect to be disrespected. For those two though, I think they work so hard and they put a lot of work in.”

Despite acknowledging the starters’ deserved recognition, Reese felt the team’s success lacked representation in the voting. She voiced her stance, citing personal difficulties over recent years but stepped forward to champion her teammates, appreciating their foundational role in her move to Atlanta. “I know the work they put in. I know the reason why I’m in Atlanta is because of them,” Reese remarked.

Reese was traded by the Chicago Sky to the Dream on April 6, aspiring for a title-win driving her transition. As of Thursday, the Dream topped the Eastern Conference with a 12-7 record.

Leading the league in rebounds averaging 11.6 per game with 12 double-doubles, Reese is poised to achieve a third consecutive All-Star nod as a reserve. Current voting is underway for selecting 12 reserves by the league’s head coaches, with results announced on Tuesday, July 7.

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is scheduled to be held at Chicago’s United Center on Saturday, July 25. For further information on the All-Star Weekend’s activities, details are available in the press release.