All-Star selections announced

By Mason Reed — 3 July 2026 — 4 min read

All-Star selections announced

The starters for the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game have been revealed, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and first-time selections. The game is scheduled to take place in Chicago at the United Center on Saturday, July 25, and will be broadcast on ABC. Among the prominent names selected are Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings, A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. These players lead a group of 10 starters chosen by fans, current WNBA players, and media.

Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson have both earned their eighth All-Star selections, marking the most among this year’s starters. They are joined in the frontcourt by Aliyah Boston of the Fever, Natasha Howard of the Minnesota Lynx, Jessica Shepard of the Wings, and Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries. In the backcourt, Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx and Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever will start alongside Bueckers and Clark.

This year’s selections include several first-time All-Star starters: Olivia Miles, Kelsey Mitchell, Jessica Shepard, and Gabby Williams. The announcement of the 12 All-Star reserves, who will be chosen by the league’s head coaches, is set for Tuesday, July 7. Head coaches are instructed to vote for three guards, five frontcourt players, and four players at any position, without voting for their own team members.

Williams’ historic selection for the Valkyries

Gabby Williams’ selection as an All-Star starter marks a significant milestone for the Golden State Valkyries, making her the Valkyries’ first-ever All-Star starter. Williams received the news from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, though she had to keep it confidential for a day as the Valkyries planned to surprise the team. The announcement was made by coach Natalie Nakase during a post-practice circle, leading to an emotional celebration among Williams and her teammates.

Gabby Williams, in a purple Valkyries jersey, celebrates making a 3-pointer during a June game against the Wings. Credit: nytimes.com

Williams’ journey to this recognition has seen her role expand significantly with the Valkyries. In her previous seven seasons, split between Chicago and Seattle, she did not have a featured role. However, with Golden State, she has embraced a more prominent position, contributing to the team’s strong performance. The Valkyries currently hold the WNBA’s third-best record, demonstrating their growth from a surprising newcomer to a serious contender.

Her defensive prowess has long been established, and this season, Williams has also showcased considerable offensive development, becoming a key creator for her team. She leads the WNBA in steals and is averaging a career-high in scoring. Her improved three-point shooting and ability to perform in clutch moments have positioned her as a go-to option for the Valkyries. Williams emphasized that her individual achievements are a reflection of the team’s collective effort and supportive environment.

The Valkyries, in their second season, have made substantial progress, improving their record compared to the previous year. Their strong defense, team chemistry, and depth on both ends of the court have been notable. Williams was a significant offseason acquisition for the team, brought in for her defensive skills and potential as a productive starter. Her selection as an All-Star starter validates her impact and the team’s direction, with the franchise owner reportedly aiming for a championship within five years.

All-Star game details and legends’ involvement

The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game is part of the league’s 30th season celebration. As part of these festivities, WNBA legends Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon will serve as honorary general managers for the event. They will be responsible for drafting their respective rosters from the pool of 22 All-Stars. Further details regarding the roster construction for Team Cooper and Team Weatherspoon are expected to be released in the coming days.

Both Cooper and Weatherspoon are members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, recognized for their significant contributions to the league. Cooper is a four-time WNBA champion and a two-time regular-season MVP, while Weatherspoon is a five-time WNBA All-Star and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. The head coaches for the All-Star Game will be determined based on the teams with the best records following games on Friday, July 10.

The game broadcast on ABC will be preceded by a special edition of WNBA Countdown at 8 p.m. ET and followed by WNBA Postgame at 10:30 p.m. ET. If any selected player is unable to participate in the All-Star Game, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will name a replacement.