Shining Bright in Indy: WNBA All-Star 2025 Recap

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Photo Cred:WNBA

Team Collier defeated Team Clark 151–131 in the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, marking one of the highest-scoring contests in league All-Star history. Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier was named Most Valuable Player after scoring a game-record 36 points. Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins made history with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 15 assists—becoming the first player in WNBA All-Star Game history to record a triple-double.

Team Collier routs Team Clark 151-131 to win WNBA All-Star game

Photo Cred: pulsesports

The crowd of over 17,000 fans erupted as Diggins closed the third quarter with back-to-back assists to rookie Paige Bueckers and Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu. Diggins, a seven-time All-Star and the No. 3 overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft, added yet another milestone to her decorated career. According to Yahoo Sports’ Michael Chen, she also set a new All-Star Game record for most assists in a single game.


Clark Sidelined, But Still in Command

Though sidelined with a lingering right groin injury, second-year sensation Caitlin Clark remained the emotional heartbeat of the home crowd. As a sideline captain, she was seen drawing up plays during timeouts and cheering on her teammates. She received a standing ovation during introductions and stayed actively involved throughout the night.

“It means a lot to still be around and involved,” Clark told Fever Basketball‘s Jordan Moery. “The support from the fans has been incredible—whether they’re attending the game or just taking part in the weekend festivities. I’m proud of what this means not only for Indianapolis and Indiana, but for the league as a whole.”

Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark Named 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game Captain

Photo Cred: WNBA

Clark, who leads the league in assists (9.1) and ranks third in scoring (21.2), was voted an All-Star captain for the second year in a row. In her place, teammate Aliyah Boston started and finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.


Fair Play, Fair Pay

While the game delivered action on the court, it also underscored a powerful message off it. All 22 All-Stars wore warm-up shirts reading “Pay Us What You Owe Us,” referencing ongoing collective bargaining negotiations. The current WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is set to expire at the end of the season.

“We wanted to present a united front, and I think it was a powerful moment that spoke for itself,” said Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum, according to The CUT‘s Olivia Craighead. “Sometimes, you don’t need words.”

When WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the crowd postgame, fans responded with chants of “Pay them! Pay them!”—a resounding show of solidarity with the players.


Moments and Milestones

The All-Star weekend also featured the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge. Sabrina Ionescu repeated as 3-point champion, narrowly edging out Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi with a final-round score of 28. In the Skills Challenge, rookie Paige Bueckers competed alongside several veterans, including Liberty guard Natasha Cloud—who claimed her first All-Star event win with a dramatic final sprint. The ten-year veteran clinched the trophy on Friday night, according to Taylyn Hadley of Bleacher Report.


What’s Next

The WNBA resumes regular-season play on Tuesday, July 23. The defending champion Las Vegas Aces return with a 12–11 record, while the New York Liberty—led by Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu—top the Eastern Conference at 15–6. Expansion conversations are gaining traction, with Toronto and Portland emerging as front-runners for new franchises by 2026. As fan interest and media visibility continue to rise, players remain vocal about the need for more equitable compensation and long-term investment in the league’s growth.

Although the 2025 All-Star Game averaged 2.2 million viewers on ABC—a 36% drop from last year’s record-setting 3.44 million—it still ranks as the second-most-watched in league history. With record-breaking performances, unified player activism, and unmatched fan energy, the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend cemented another milestone in the league’s upward trajectory—on the court and beyond.

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