2026 WNBA All-Star Voting has Begun, Who Could Make Their First All-Star Appearance?

With the 2026 WNBA All-Star voting kicking off today at 2:00 pm EST, it's only right to break down who could make their first All-Star appearance this season.

Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

It's a no brainer that Olivia Miles has been playing out of her mind and is on pace to not only be the 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year, but also an All-Star. Averaging 17.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, Miles has been a gamechanger for the Minnesota Lynx despite the extended absence of their star forward, Napheesa Collier. Ever since her name was called with the Second-Overall Pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Olivia Miles has been playing with a chip on her shoulder. Continuing to never back down to opponents whether they're fellow rookies or vets, Miles knows her value and place in the league already. Miles is the true point guard that Minnesota has needed to play off of fellow guard Courtney Williams to help facilitate the rock to Natasha Howard (and Napheesa Collier once she's healed and available). One thing that many people forget to consider when voting for All-Stars is winning. A player's ability to impact the game in a way that they can flip the script in a positive way is crucial. For Olivia Miles in particular, she joined an already very successful team/franchise. That said, the temporary loss of Napheesa Collier as well as former star forwards Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith both signing with the Dallas Wings put a bigger dent in the Lynx's roster than many give them credit for. For such drastic changes as these to occur, Miles has done a great job at not only adapting to the professional culture, but also making an impact that has helped lead the Minnesota Lynx to one of the best teams in the league despite the adversity faced.

Jessica Shepard, Dallas Wings

If you haven't heard about the season Jessica Shepard is having right now, then you're missing out. Prior to the 2026 WNBA Season, Jessica Shepard signed with the Dallas Wings in free agency after spending the first five years of her career with the Minnesota Lynx. While with the Lynx, Shepard was a solid role player averaging about 8 points and 7 rebounds per game from 2022-2025. Although this is a commendable stat line as Shepard had comfortably found what many thought was her spot not just on the Lynx, but in the league, leaving Minnesota for Dallas was the perfect decision for her. Since signing with the Wings, Shepard has had the best season of her career by far in just the dozen or so games she's competed in thus far. Already impressive enough, Shepard averages 13.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, though we can't forget to mention the clinic Shepard put up against the Las Vegas Aces on May 28, 2026. Shocking the world as the first 22-20-10 game ever, Jessica Shepard had everything going for her to help lead the Wings to a victory over the defending champs. You read that right, Shepard had 22 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists this game. Not to mention she also did so on a field-goal percentage of 61.5%. If this isn't enough to vote for, it's also her second triple-double of the season and the Wings have only played 11 games! Not only is Jessica Shepard on the rise to become a first-time All-Star, but also heavily in the talks as becoming the 2026 Most Improved Player. Don't sleep on Jess!

Gabby Williams, Golden State Valkyries

A player who also made a switch in the off-season, Gabby Williams has also been one to improve as both a player and teammate on her new team. When the Golden State Valkyries were able to snag Gabby Williams in free agency, the fans were ecstatic, and reasonably so. A lockdown defender, Williams deserves to not only be considered in All-Star voting, but also for Defensive Player of the Year in the post-season. While Williams' defense doesn't go unrecognized as she was on the 2025 All-Defensive First Team and 2022 All-Defensive Second Team, her ability to score the basketball is not nearly discussed as much. Playing arguably the best basketball of her career, Williams is currently averaging 15.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. Williams stands out among others on the court solely for her defense as well as her transition play and athleticism as a scrappy 5'11" forward.

Marina Mabrey, Toronto Tempo

One of the best current WNBA players to have never been an All-Star is none other than Marina Mabrey. Also having the best season of her career, Marina Mabrey was by far the best selection the Toronto Tempo made in the 2026 Expansion Draft. Averaging almost 3 three-pointers made per game, she doesn't get called "Money Mabrey" for nothing. In addition to this insane shooting, Mabrey is collectively averaging 17.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game for the Tempo. Mabrey is also top 5 in the WNBA for points per game and three-pointers per game, showing she not only dominates in each individual game, but also over the whole league. While Mabrey is having an incredible season, she has been putting up similar stats her entire career which is why she is more deserving than ever to be an All-Star. If nothing else, Marina Mabrey is a pure scorer who becomes simply unstoppable once in a comfortable groove and truly the best leader to the newly added expansion team, the Toronto Tempo. Should Mabrey keep up the page and momentum, she could climb the points per game and other three-point rankings to perhaps be considered for All-WNBA teams or even a Most Improved Player candidate but first, All-Star.