Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx have been named as the captains for this year’s WNBA All-Star Game, marking a significant milestone in their careers. The league announced on Sunday that Clark and Collier were the top fan vote-getters, with Clark receiving 1,293,526 votes and Collier garnering 1,176,020 votes.
This year’s All-Star Game is scheduled to take place on July 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, home of the Fever. Fans played a pivotal role in the selection process, and Clark expressed her excitement about participating in such a revered event, stating, “It’s going to be special to do it here in this city. … Trying to make it the best All-Star that the WNBA has ever had.”
The eight additional starters will be revealed on Monday, following a combination of votes from fans, players, and media. The selection of 12 reserves will be made by the league’s coaches and announced on July 6.
As captains, Clark and Collier will draft their All-Star rosters on July 8 during the “WNBA Countdown” show, which will be aired before the game between the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces. Clark mentioned her intention to draft her teammates, showcasing the camaraderie within her team.
This marks Clark’s second All-Star selection in only her second season in the league, while it is the fifth selection for Collier, who has been a standout since her debut in 2019. Notably, aside from a missed All-Star appearance in 2022 due to maternity leave, Collier has consistently demonstrated her talent.
Both players have made a significant impact in the league, with Clark averaging 18.2 points and 8.9 assists this season, despite dealing with a recent groin injury. On the other hand, Collier leads the league in scoring with an impressive average of 24.5 points per game.
Additionally, the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup championship between the Fever and Lynx, set for Tuesday at Minnesota’s Target Center, promises an exciting match-up as both teams strive for the title.
The appointment of Clark and Collier as captains is not only a celebration of their individual accomplishments, but it also highlights the growing popularity and competitive nature of the WNBA. Their leadership roles will undoubtedly enhance the experience of this year’s All-Star festivities.