The WNBA is buzzing as Indiana Fever reporter reveals a major surprise regarding the 2025 All-Star Game, coinciding with Caitlin Clark's dominance in the first round of fan voting. The Fever are hosting the All-Star game this year, marking the first time in franchise history.
Caitlin Clark, the highly touted rookie sensation, has captured the hearts of fans across the nation, and the initial All-Star voting results are a testament to her widespread appeal. Clark received 515,993 votes, leading all WNBA players. Following Clark is Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier with 484,758 votes. Clark's popularity is undeniable, and her presence has undoubtedly injected new energy into the WNBA.
The surprise, as revealed by an Indiana Fever reporter, lies in the overwhelming support for the Fever's players in the All-Star voting. In addition to Clark's leading vote count, three other Fever players – Aliyah Boston (446,961), Kelsey Mitchell (277,664), and Lexie Hull (217,438) – are in the top 10 in the first round of voting returns. There were a total of eight Fever players in the top 40. This level of representation from a single team is unusual.
The WNBA has outlined the All-Star selection process. Fan voting accounts for 50% of the total vote, while current players and a media panel each contribute 25%. Players and media panelists submit ballots featuring four guards and six frontcourt players. Players are ranked by position within each voting group (fan votes, player votes, and media votes). Each player's score is calculated by averaging the weighted rank from the fan votes, player votes, and media votes. The four guards and six frontcourt players with the best scores are named as All-Star starters. The league's coaches then select the 12 reserves. The two All-Star starters who receive the most fan votes will be named the team captains and will draft their respective All-Star teams. The All-Star draft results will be broadcast on July 8.
The 2025 All-Star Game will be played on July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, home of the Fever. The game will be broadcast on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET, preceded by WNBA Countdown at 8 p.m. ET. The weekend will also include the WNBA STARRY 3-Point Contest and Kia WNBA Skills Challenge on July 18, which will air on ESPN.
Clark acknowledged the fan votes and enthusiasm surrounding the All-Star game. She stated that while fan votes are a fun way to get fans involved, it's not the reason she plays. She also expressed excitement for her teammates and the love they are receiving from the fans.
The All-Star game is returning to its traditional format of two teams competing against each other, unlike the previous year when the USA Olympic team played against an All-Star team. The head coaches for the All-Star Game will be the head coaches of the two teams with the best records following games on July 4. The coach with the best record will coach the team whose captain earned the most fan votes.
The overwhelming support for Caitlin Clark and her Fever teammates signals a potential shift in the WNBA landscape. The All-Star game in Indianapolis promises to be a celebration of women's basketball and a showcase for the league's brightest stars.