Live from Indianapolis: 2025 WNBA All-Star Game Preview
The highly anticipated 2025 WNBA All‑Star Game is set to tip-off tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET in Indianapolis. The broadcast will be available on ABC, ESPN+, and Disney+. For cord‑cutters, Fubo is offering a free trial. Fans and analysts alike are already tuning in to follow the action as the game gets underway.
Injury Sidelines Hometown Sensation Caitlin Clark
One major storyline heading into tonight centers around Indiana Fever phenom and All‑Star captain Caitlin Clark, who is out with a groin injury. Clark was expected to be a centerpiece at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, thrilling the home crowd. Alas, she’ll be watching the spectacle from the bench—not only missing out on playing, but also unable to compete in the 3‑Point Contest during the All‑Star weekend.
Clark earned her captaincy by leading fan voting—becoming the top vote‑getter. That distinction allowed her to draft her own team from the pool of All‑Star starters and reserves. Her squad, dubbed “Team Clark,” will face “Team Collier,” captained by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, who earned the second‑most fan votes and is considered a strong contender for league MVP honors.
Teams, Captains & Coaching Selections
Here’s a breakdown of how tonight’s game lineup came together:
1. Starters: A total of 10 players were selected to start through a combined voting system—50% fan votes, 25% media votes, and 25% players’ votes.
2. Captains: The top two players in fan voting were named captains (Clark and Collier).
3. Coaches: The coaching staffs were determined by the best regular-season records as of July 1.
4. Draft: Clark and Collier then picked their respective teams from the pool of 12 reserves.
5. Capitals switched: In a twist, the star captains traded coaches—Team Clark ended up coached by Collier’s original coach, and vice versa.
Final Rosters with Replacements
Originally, stars like Clark and Phoenix Mercury’s Satou Sabally (named as a starter) were scheduled to take part but have since withdrawn due to injuries: Clark with her groin issue, and Sabally with an ankle problem suffered over the past few games. Official replacements include:
— Brittney Sykes (Washington Mystics) steps in for Caitlin Clark
— Brionna Jones (Atlanta Dream) replaces Satou Sabally
That bumped the final team lists to:
Team Clark – headed by Caitlin Clark (now out), plus starters Aliyah Boston, Sabrina Ionescu, A’ja Wilson, and Satou Sabally (now out), along with reserves Kelsey Mitchell, Gabby Williams, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Jackie Young, Kayla Thornton, and Brionna Jones
Team Collier – headed by Napheesa Collier (Lynx), with Rhyne Howard originally selected but out with a leg injury, so Kayla McBride (Lynx) steps in alongside Collier and Courtney Williams. Also included are former picks unaffected by injury.
With Clark sidelined, the Fever’s own Kelsey Mitchell is the most logical pick to fill the vacant starting guard spot on Team Clark, though the coaching staff will make the final call.
All‑Star Game Twist: New & Unique Rules
This year’s All‑Star Game comes with several entertaining rule changes designed to emphasize flair and fun:
4‑Point Courts on Each End: Two designated 4‑point shot zones on each side at 28 feet—making distance shooting a real spectacle.
Shorter Shot Clock: The event will use a 20‑second shot clock (vs. the usual 24), pushing tempo and keeping the pace frenetic.
Free Throws Suspended Until Final 2 Minutes: To maintain flow, no traditional foul shots will be taken until the last 120 seconds—but the players still earn their free‑throw points based on fouls.
Live‑Play Substitutions: Teams can substitute players live while on offense, with one sub allowed at a time.
Drama and Tempo Galore: These tweaks are all geared toward a fast‑paced, highly entertaining, high‑scoring showcase.
Side Events Recap: 3‑Point Contest & Skills Challenge
The weekend’s lead-up included two fan‑favorite events:
1. 3‑Point Contest
Sabrina Ionescu mesmerized everyone with a 30‑point performance, which included 11 consecutive made triples.
That run marked the second‑highest round ever in contest history, second only to Ionescu’s own record of 37 points (20 straight makes) set two years ago. Her hot streak dethroned defending champion Allisha Gray.
2. Skills Challenge
Natasha Cloud (New York Liberty) captured her first individual trophy by completing the obstacle course in 34.1 seconds—just edging out Erica Wheeler (37.5 seconds).
Cloud received $50,000 and said she’ll use it as a down payment with her partner and Liberty teammate Isabelle Harrison.
Teammates Harrison, Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Wheeler were all there to congratulate her.
What’s Riding on Tonight?
Aside from the East vs. West bragging rights—or, in this case, Clark vs. Collier—this All‑Star Game is shaping up as a media and publicity milestone for the league. Several key factors:
Caitlin Clark Hype: The rookie continues to break viewing and attendance records, tapping into crossover interest both domestically and internationally.
Potential Rating Surge: With Clark out, the national audience may be curious whether the WNBA’s TV ratings can stay elevated—especially with Clark unable to participate.
Competition & Legacy: For Collier and other veteran stars like A’ja Wilson, this is a chance to shine on a big stage and reinforce their MVP credentials.
Behind‑the‑Scenes Drama: The injury shuffle—especially Clark’s absence—draws attention to player load management and the intensity of the calendar.
Rule‑Driven Spectacle: The 4‑point lines, live subs, condensed shot clock, and modified fouling format could create exciting sequences not seen during regular season play.
How to Follow Along
TV: ABC, ESPN+, and Disney+
Streaming: Fubo offers a free trial
Live Chat: The Athletic is hosting a live feed featuring player updates, scouting insights, and on‑court commentary from their assembled WNBA expert writers. They’ll be tracking the game as it unfolds.
Key Players to Watch (Even If Out)
Caitlin Clark: Even from the sideline, all eyes will be on Clark as the league’s hottest rookie sensation—people will be watching how she reacts, interacts, and roots on her team.
Sabrina Ionescu: After her explosive 3‑point win, she’ll be a crowd favorite and a key offensive spark for Team Clark.
Natasha Cloud: Her momentum from the skills win could fuel her performance in tonight’s game.
Napheesa Collier: The captain of Team Collier and MVP frontrunner, Collier will want to set the tone for her team.
A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Mitchell: Both seasoned and skilled, they’ll be major contributors for Team Clark, especially with Clark’s absence.
Brionna Jones & Brittney Sykes: These injury replacements have a late opportunity to show what they can do on a big stage.
Dynamic of Drafted Teams
With Clark and Collier making their picks, each side presents an intriguing mixture of rising rookies, proven All‑Stars, and clutch veterans. The dynamic:
Team Clark: Described as a high‑tempo, high‑shot‑volume offense. With Ionescu’s form and home‑court energy, they can light up the scoreboard.
Team Collier: Brings grit, strong defense, and smart spacing. Collier, Wilson, and Boston provide both interior muscle and athleticism.
Injury Replacements & Impact
Losses like Clark and Sabally remove star firepower—and the WNBA isn’t immune to load management concerns. But these gaps create opportunities. Look for Sykes and Jones to make statements tonight, perhaps even forcing the league to rethink how replacements fit into teams mid‑All‑Star Weekend.
The Fan Experience
Local Indiana fans had hoped to see Clark electrify the crowd in person, but her absence hasn’t quelled that enthusiasm. With Fever fans being especially vocal, the arena energy should still be dancing—bolstered by buzz around Ionescu’s 3‑point heroics and Cloud’s surprise win.
Looking Ahead
Will this high‑octane All‑Star experience convert into WNBA success and growth?
How will Clark’s presence from the sidelines — but not on the court — influence future usage, load management, or even league scheduling?
How will ratings react to one of the biggest draws in Clark not playing?
Bottom Line
Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Clark & Sabally: Injured, absent; replaced by Sykes and Jones
3‑Point & Skills Wins: Ionescu (30 points), Cloud (34.1 sec)
New Game Rules: 4‑point zones, 20‑sec clock, live subs
Teams: Drafted by captains Clark and Collier
Coaches: Top records as of July 1, traded between teams
Whether you’re tuning in for the star power, the new game format, or just a lively All‑Star party, tonight’s game promises plenty of drama, pace, and showcase moments. And with Clark cheering on from a personal corner, expect an emotional tie‑in that connects the home‑town hero to the national spotlight—even without a chance to ball.
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