2026 WNBA All-Star Starters Announced as League Debuts New Team Format

 

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend is just around the corner. The 2026 All-Star Starters have been announced, and the reserves are yet to come as the WNBA introduces a new draft format to honor the league's 30th Anniversary.

2026 All-Star Starters

Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever

There's no denying that the Indiana Fever have arguably the best "big three" in the league with Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. One of the most underrated players in the W, Kelsey Mitchell is a scoring machine. Averaging 21.6 points per game and third in scoring in the entire league, Mitchell deserves this spotlight. In addition to the way Mitchell pours in buckets for the Fever, she does so efficiently as her shooting splits are almost an unreal 50-40-90. Just behind Mitchell in points per game, Caitlin Clark has also found her groove in recent games as she averages 21.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 8.2 assists on the season. Also in the top 5 in scoring, Clark is tied for fourth with Marina Mabrey. Despite dealing with a lingering back injury, Clark has persevered by still putting up multiple double-doubles and 30-point games. The cornerstone to Indiana's big three and entire team, Aliyah Boston also finds herself as a 2026 All-Star Starter. Boston is nearly averaging a double-double on the season with 17.0 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Beyond being a prolific scorer and rebounder, Boston also averages 1.3 blocks per game with a season high of 3 blocks. A well-rounded player and beyond worthy All-Star Starter, Boston is top 15 in the league for points, rebounds, and blocks per game this season. These, ladies and gentlemen, are three of your All-Star Starters and the core of the Indiana Fever's franchise.

A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

As if we didn't expect it, A'ja Wilson is a 2026 All-Star Starter. There's not much to say other than the fact that A'ja Wilson keeps adding to her resume as she currently puts up another MVP-caliber season. Wilson currently leads the league in scoring averaging 25.7 points per game and is fourth in the W for rebounds per game with 9.4. The foundation of the Las Vegas Aces and their 3x Championship franchise, Wilson can do it all. From attacking the basket with no problem to turning rebounds into more buckets to making it nearly impossible for opponents to score, Wilson is a nightmare in everyone's schedule. Displaying her dominance as she is still in her prime, Wilson has put up five 30-point games, one of which was a 45-point masterclass in just the fourth game of the 2026 season. If you somehow haven't paid attention to A'ja Wilson yet, you better start now before it's too late because she's well off to become the "GOAT."

Paige Bueckers and Jessica Shepard, Dallas Wings

If you're a Dallas Wings fan, or just a WNBA fan in general, you have a lot to be excited about for the Wings as we head into the All-Star break. For the first time in her career, Jessica Shepard was not only named a WNBA All-Star, but also a starter. Making the switch to Dallas in the offseason was the perfect call for Shepard as she has completely flipped the trajectory of her career. With a defined role position for the Minnesota Lynx, Shepard was seemingly stuck in a spot where she was sought to do the behind-the-scenes work. While there's nothing wrong with that, Shepard has maximized every ounce of potential in her short time with the Wings. Shepard is second in scoring for the Wings averaging 14.3 points joined by 11.5 rebounds per game and is one of two players averaging a double-double in the entire league. In addition to being exceedingly deserving of this honor as an All-Star Starter, Shepard has flipped the switch on her career, giving us great reason to look forward to her future. Accompanying Shepard as an All-Star Starter is none other than Paige Bueckers for the second time in her career. Paige Bueckers has found her groove in year two at the perfect time. Bueckers is an offensive force for the Wings, averaging just under 20 points per game as well as 3.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists. Despite receiving shade recently for a couple difficult losses, Bueckers still remains one of the more underrated guards in the W. Bueckers takes good shots without forcing anything while also making her teammates better in the process. Not to mention Bueckers has also been the primary leader of the Wings exceeding the amount of wins they had last season in just over 5 weeks. The Dallas Wings are on the rise, and I wouldn't doubt that one of Shepard's and Bueckers' teammates join them as All-Stars.

Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty

Coming off a sensational performance in the Commissioner's Cup Championship to defeat the Las Vegas Aces, Breanna Stewart has proved that she's still got what it takes to excel at the highest level. Nearly averaging a double-double with 19.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, Stewart has made a noticeable jump since last season. Even during the absence of her partner in crime, Sabrina Ionescu, Stewart has been the primary reason that the New York Liberty are ranked as high as they are. Putting her statistical productivity and consistent execution on display, Stewart is ranked third in the WNBA for efficiency. This is crucial and something to pay attention to as it shows the Liberty who they can truly rely on in crunch time. This will be Stewart's 8th All-Star appearance in her 10 years in the WNBA, further cementing her status as one of the league’s most consistent and dominant players.

Natasha Howard and Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

Both receiving the honor of All-Star Starters, the work that Natasha Howard and Olivia Miles have put in to keep the Minnesota Lynx at the top is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Despite already having been a 2x All-Star, Natasha Howard is one of the most underrated bigs in the W right now. Just behind Olivia Miles in scoring, Howard averages 17.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game for the Lynx. Since returning to the Lynx this season for the first time since 2017, Howard has been one of the most improved players since the 2025 season. Currently the anchor in the Lynx's frontcourt, Howard has filled the void of Napheesa Collier perfectly. Aside from fellow Lynx forward, Nia Coffey, Howard is really the only reliable forward that the Lynx have since Napheesa Collier's injury. Finding her role as Natasha Howard's running mate, Olivia Miles has made a perfect transition from college to the pros. Leading all 2026 WNBA rookies in scoring, Miles is putting up a controlled 18.7 points per game followed by 4.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals. Seeing success in all areas, Miles is a threat to anyone and everyone. From the way she creates her own shots to converting steals to easy buckets, Miles can tear apart an opponent's confidence in seconds. With the success they're seeing on the court together so far, Miles and Howard are both more than deserving of being 2026 All-Star Starters.

Gabby Williams, Golden State Valkyries

Rounding out the list of the 2026 All-Star Starters is Gabby Williams. Not only is Gabby Williams the Golden State Valkyries' first All-Star Starter in franchise history, but this is also her first time as an All-Star in her career. Since signing with the Valkyries following the 2025 WNBA season, Williams has made a huge leap in her skills. Already considered one of the best defenders in the league in previous seasons, Williams has found a way to keep up the pace with her defense while also improving her ability to score. Williams is currently averaging a career-high 15.8 points per game for the Valkyries along with 3.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals. While Williams has now been recognized as an All-Star Starter, fans should keep an eye for her name in post-season awards as she could easily land on an All-Defensive Team or even land in the voting for Defensive Player of the Year.

New All-Star Format Honors WNBA's 30 Year Anniversary with Updated Draft Process

To celebrate the WNBA's 30th Anniversary, the league has put a spin on the All-Star team drafting process. In years past, the top two vote receivers were automatically named the All-Star Captains. After the WNBA announces the reserves, the two captains would then select their All-Star teammates in a televised draft. In June of this year, the WNBA announced that a slightly different format will be implemented when drafting and creating the two All-Star teams this year, honoring the 30 years of the league's existence. For the 2026 All-Star team drafting, two WNBA legends, Teresa Weatherspoon and Cynthia Cooper, have been selected and appointed as captains by the league as "general managers." These general managers will then serve as the typical All-Star captain by selecting and drafting their team from the starters and reserves pools. Not only does this rid of the past process of current active players drafting the teams, but the draft process by these legends will also not be televised. The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend will kick off on July 24, 2026, with the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge and the WNBA STARRY 3-Point Contest followed by the WNBA All-Star Game on July 25, 2026.