WNBA 2026 All-Star Starters Announced Amid Controversy

On Thursday, July 2, the WNBA announced the starters for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. Fans contributed 50% of the vote for this year’s All-Star starters. The other 50% was split between active WNBA players (25%) and select WNBA media members (25%).

The announced starters are: Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson, New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers, Wings forward Jessica Shepard, Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles, Lynx forward Natasha Howard, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, Fever center/forward Aliyah Boston, and Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams.

Noticeably absent from this list are players from the Atlanta Dream. Angel Reese expressed her disappointment over this exclusion. She advocated for Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, both with three All-Star nods, highlighting their significant contributions to the team.

“I expect to be disrespected,” Reese commented, as reported by ESPN’s Kareem Copeland. “For those two though, I think they work so hard and the way that they’re guarded every game, the adjustments they make. The reason why we’re where we are is because of those two. For us not to have anyone was just a slap in the face, but they’re not going to say anything. I am.”

Despite her unease with the voting results, Reese acknowledged the deserving nature of the selected starters. She pointed out her team’s success didn’t reflect in the votes. “I haven’t really said much this year in the media because it’s been tough for me over the last two years,” Reese continued. “But I feel it was important to speak for my teammates that don’t necessarily speak for themselves. I know the work they put in. I know the reason why I’m in Atlanta is because of them. Team success is based on those two.”

Reese was traded by the Chicago Sky to the Dream on April 6. She has cited her wish to win the WNBA title as the reason for her move. As of Thursday, the Dream topped the Eastern Conference with a 12-7 record.

Reese leads the WNBA in rebounds, averaging 11.6 per game, and has achieved 12 double-doubles in her first season with the Dream. Although she was not listed among the starters, Reese is a two-time All-Star and is almost assured of her third consecutive All-Star selection as a reserve.

The WNBA has now opened voting for the 12 All-Star Game reserves, decided by the league’s head coaches. Results will be announced next Tuesday, July 7. The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game will occur at Chicago’s United Center on Saturday, July 25.