There weren't many surprises in the 2026 WNBA All-Star starter list released by the WNBA on Thursday. The grouping includes Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Olivia Miles, A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.
The Indiana Fever's big three all received starter status, a note that lifts a subtle eyebrow but makes sense in a system based 50% on the fan vote. The Lynx and Wings also placed two each among the 10.
But other eyebrow-raising aspects were to some degree expected. That begins with the Atlanta Dream's Rhyne Howard falling short in a crop of guard riches.
A modest proposal: As we discussed on Hoops 360 this week, the WNBA could adjust its All-Star voting format to a more flexible system of four guards, four frontcourt players and two "rovers" who can play in either bucket. This is similar to what the head coaches will do for the group of 12 All-Star reserves. Their ballot consists of three guards, five frontcourt players and four players at either position. The WNBA does not vote based on conference. Coaches cannot vote for their own players.
But that's down the road. Let's get into the various snubs in the first All-Star release ahead of the 2026 game in Chicago on July 25.
The Indiana Fever's big three all received starter status, a note that lifts a subtle eyebrow but makes sense in a system based 50% on the fan vote. The Lynx and Wings also placed two each among the 10.
But other eyebrow-raising aspects were to some degree expected. That begins with the Atlanta Dream's Rhyne Howard falling short in a crop of guard riches.
A modest proposal: As we discussed on Hoops 360 this week, the WNBA could adjust its All-Star voting format to a more flexible system of four guards, four frontcourt players and two "rovers" who can play in either bucket. This is similar to what the head coaches will do for the group of 12 All-Star reserves. Their ballot consists of three guards, five frontcourt players and four players at either position. The WNBA does not vote based on conference. Coaches cannot vote for their own players.
But that's down the road. Let's get into the various snubs in the first All-Star release ahead of the 2026 game in Chicago on July 25.
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