The WNBA All-Star roster is set, but the biggest debate is just getting started. ESPN’s panel of Kendra Andrews, Kareem Copeland, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel focused on the snubs, the best first-time selections and the combinations that could make the July 25 game in Chicago the most entertaining one yet.
There are still a few moving parts before the contest at Chicago’s United Center, including possible injury replacements and the question of which teams will be led by the league’s honorary general managers, Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon. The two former stars will pick from a pool of 22 All-Stars, while the head coaches of the two teams with the best records after games on July 10 will take over coaching duties.
| Starters | Reserves |
|---|---|
| Aliyah Boston, Indiana | Sonia Citron, Washington |
| Paige Bueckers, Dallas | Allisha Gray, Atlanta |
| Caitlin Clark, Indiana | Rhyne Howard, Atlanta |
| Natasha Howard, Minnesota | Kiki Iriafen, Washington |
| Olivia Miles, Minnesota | Jonquel Jones, New York |
| Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana | Marina Mabrey, Dallas |
| Jessica Shepard, Dallas | Dominique Malonga, Seattle |
| Breanna Stewart, New York | Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles |
| Gabby Williams, Golden State | Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles |
| A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas | Angel Reese, Atlanta |
| Courtney Williams, Minnesota | |
| Jackie Young, Las Vegas |
Biggest snubs
Kareem Copeland argued that injured Toronto Tempo guard Brittney Sykes still belonged on the roster, noting her career year, elite defense and status as the No. 8 scorer in the league. He also pointed to Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas as the clearest healthy omission, especially because she leads the league in assists and remains one of the most reliable defenders.
Michael Voepel said it was surprising that neither Thomas nor Kahleah Copper made the reserve list. Copper is averaging 20.6 points and has six games with at least 25 points, though her shooting percentages have been a concern, while Thomas has already been an All-Star six times.
Alexa Philippou highlighted Golden State guard Veronica Burton as a possible injury replacement if one is needed, especially if Kelsey Plum is unable to play. Burton is the reigning Most Improved Player and an All-WNBA second-team selection, and Golden State has won five straight while sitting third in the standings.
The first-time names drawing the most excitement
Philippou said Jessica Shepard and Marina Mabrey stand out as first-time All-Stars who have taken on bigger roles with new teams. Mabrey has already produced two games with nine 3-pointers and tied the league’s single-game scoring record with 53 points on June 25.
Voepel praised Dominique Malonga, who is only 20 and was the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft. After missing eight games with concussion symptoms, she has returned to post double-digit scoring nights and had 37 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Dallas on June 22.
Voepel also pointed to Nneka Ogwumike’s 11th All-Star selection and Courtney Williams’ return to the event as reasons the roster carries both star power and personality.
How Cooper and Weatherspoon might build the teams
Copeland said he would rather see teammates split up than paired together, since part of the appeal is creating matchups that are rarely seen during the season. He pointed to possible combinations such as Caitlin Clark or Paige Bueckers feeding Malonga, or Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson linking up in pick-and-roll action.
Voepel suggested Cooper and Weatherspoon may be competitive enough to keep some teammates together, especially if they value chemistry. He also noted that Weatherspoon, who coached the Chicago Sky in 2024, may have a slight edge in familiarity with many players, while Cooper’s background as a shooting guard and Weatherspoon’s as a point guard could shape how they balance post scorers and perimeter players.
Which picks could come early
Voepel said Wilson is the hardest player to bypass for whoever selects first, but he also mentioned Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark as top guard options. He added that Angel Reese could be an appealing early pick because of her energy, rebounding and the fan attention she would draw in Chicago.
Philippou said Paige Bueckers should also be among the first names considered after receiving the highest weighted score among guards. She added that Breanna Stewart is another obvious early choice because she can fill multiple roles on the floor.
Copeland suggested Olivia Miles as a wildcard first pick, citing her playmaking, confidence from running the league’s No. 1 team and a shooting clip of 50.6% from the field. He also pointed to the combined six MVP awards held by Wilson and Stewart as evidence that either one could anchor a team.
The pairings fans are likely to watch closest
Copeland said the most intriguing duo might be Bueckers and Malonga, who played together in Unrivaled and openly worked on lob plays during the offseason. The idea of Bueckers’ passing and Malonga’s athleticism showing up on an All-Star floor could create the kind of highlight that defines the night.
Philippou preferred the idea of Miles and Bueckers sharing a backcourt, saying their court vision and creativity would make that pairing fun in a low-pressure setting. Voepel added that Clark and Bueckers on the same side would also be compelling, especially with Team USA’s backcourt picture for the FIBA Women’s World Cup in September in mind.
Who could leave with MVP
Copeland leaned toward Kelsey Mitchell, who is getting her first start and is averaging a career-high 21.9 points while shooting a career-best 48.9% from the field. He said her speed and scoring mentality fit the All-Star MVP profile, especially in a game where guards have won five of the past six MVP awards.
Philippou pointed to Caitlin Clark as a candidate who may be eager to make the most of Chicago after last year’s All-Star Game was held in Indianapolis, where she could only watch from the sideline. Voepel said Marina Mabrey and Courtney Williams are also live possibilities, with Mabrey potentially fueled by playing near where she starred at Notre Dame and Williams known for taking, and making, plenty of shots.
The final roster has already created the kind of mix of star power, fresh faces and unresolved questions that usually make All-Star Weekend memorable. With Cooper and Weatherspoon still to pick their sides, the biggest story in Chicago may be not just who made the team, but who gets matched together once the game begins.