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The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game starters have officially been announced, and the headline-grabber is not only that rookie sensation Paige Bueckers earned her first All-Star nod, but she also made it to the starting list. Meanwhile, Angel Reese was notably left out of the starting line‑up, raising eyebrows across the women's basketball community.

With the WNBA All-Star Game 2025 set to tip off in Indianapolis, the debate is heating up over who deserved a spot, who got snubbed, and what this means for the league's rising stars.

Confirmed 2025 WNBA All-Star Starters Revealed

The WNBA unveiled the ten players who will headline the All-Star clash on 19 July at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Captains Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx will lead their respective teams, with a live draft scheduled for 8 July.

Here are the 2025 WNBA All-Star starters:

Guards:

  • Paige Bueckers (Dallas)
  • Caitlin Clark (Indiana)
  • Sabrina Ionescu (New York)
  • Allisha Gray (Atlanta)

Frontcourt:

  • A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas)
  • Aliyah Boston (Indiana)
  • Breanna Stewart (New York)
  • Napheesa Collier (Minnesota)
  • Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle)
  • Satou Sabally (Phoenix)

The selections were determined by a combined voting process involving fans, players and media members, with fan votes carrying the most weight.

Paige Bueckers Earns Spot Among WNBA's Elite

Bueckers' inclusion as a starter in her rookie season is a landmark moment. According to ESPN, she is the only first‑year player in the starting pool, ranking 11th in the league in scoring (18.4 ppg) and sixth in assists (5.8 apg). The Dallas guard's impact, poise and leadership have been unmistakable, cementing her place among the league's elite.

Her rise, alongside Clark, symbolises a generational shift in the WNBA.

Angel Reese Snub Sparks Controversy

The biggest surprise, however, was the absence of Reese from the list of WNBA All-Star starters. The Chicago Sky forward has been one of the most consistent performers, leading the league in rebounds, with a league-record of four consecutive 15-rebound games as reported by Yahoo Sports, and notching multiple double‑doubles.

Many fans expected Reese to start. Her omission has sparked debate online, with supporters questioning whether the frontcourt voting process overlooked her production in favour of more established names.

While the position was particularly competitive, Reese's exclusion has reignited conversation around how performance, popularity and media narratives influence All-Star recognition.

All‑Star Reserves Still to Come

Not all hope is lost for Reese and other standout players. The WNBA will reveal its reserves list early in July, selected by coaches. Given her stats and impact, Reese remains a strong contender for a reserve spot on the 2025 WNBA All-Star roster.

The All‑Star Weekend kicks off on 18 July with the 3‑point contest and Kia Skills Challenge. UK fans can tune in via ESPN+, Disney+, or WNBA League Pass.

Bueckers Rises, Reese Debated in a Shifting WNBA Landscape

As the WNBA All-Star Game 2025 approaches, the spotlight shines brightly on Paige Bueckers' remarkable rookie climb. At the same time, Angel Reese's absence from the starters list adds fuel to a growing debate about recognition in women's basketball.

Do you think Angel Reese deserved a starting spot? Let us know in the comments.

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