THE REACTIONS TO SABRINA’S 30-PIECE IN THE 3-PT CONTEST đą #WNBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/EkH8kW8S9Z
â espnW (@espnW) July 19, 2025
Shining Bright: ESPN, ABC, and Disney+ Light Up the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend
July 19, 2025 â Indianapolis, IN â ESPN, ABC, and Disney+ are delivering electrifying coverage of the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Weekend, a dazzling showcase of womenâs basketball hosted by the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on July 18-19, 2025. Marking the Feverâs first time hosting this marquee event, the weekend features team captains Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier, with the All-Star Game streaming live on Disney+ for the first time alongside ABC and ESPN+.
With top-tier commentators, vibrant pregame shows, and a fan festival, ESPNâs multi-platform approach elevates the WNBAâs global stage.
A Groundbreaking Broadcast Partnership
The 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Weekend, held on July 18-19, is a landmark event for womenâs basketball, with ESPN, ABC, and Disney+ uniting to provide comprehensive coverage.
The All-Star Game airs live on ABC on Saturday, July 19, at 8:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CDMX), with a historic debut on Disney+ and ESPN+, expanding access to fans in the U.S. and Mexico.
On Friday, July 18, the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge and WNBA STARRYÂŽ 3-Point Contest broadcast live on ESPN, Disney+, and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CDMX), ensuring every moment is accessible across platforms.
ESPNâs elite broadcast team, led by play-by-play announcer Ryan Ruocco, Naismith Hall of Famer Rebecca Lobo, and sideline reporter Holly Rowe, covers both days, delivering sharp analysis and storytelling. WNBA Countdown Presented by Google, hosted by Elle Duncan with analysts Andraya Carter and Chiney Ogwumike, offers on-site studio coverage from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, providing pregame insights and player interviews.
A second team, featuring Pam Ward, LaChina Robinson, and Angel Gray, supports the broadcast, with Malika Andrews hosting additional WNBA Countdown segments from Los Angeles alongside Monica McNutt and Carolyn Peck.
The weekend kicks off with âGood Morning Americaâ co-anchor Robin Roberts broadcasting live from Morris Bicentennial Plaza in Indianapolis on Friday, July 18. Joined by Duncan, Carter, Ogwumike, and WNBA stars like Paige Bueckers, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Allisha Gray, Roberts hosts a vibrant segment featuring performances by rapper BIA and multiplatinum artist G-Eazy as part of GMAâs Summer Concert Series Sponsored by Massage Envy. This fusion of sports and entertainment underscores the WNBAâs cultural appeal, drawing fans beyond the court.
ESPNâs digital coverage, led by Kendra Andrews, Alexa Philippou, and Michael Voepel, provides live updates and midseason features, including updated Top 25 player rankings. Vibe Check Presented by Intuit QuickBooks, streaming on Disney+ every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5 p.m. ET, offers pre-event breakdowns, ensuring fans stay connected to the excitement.
Fridayâs Showstoppers: Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest
The weekend opened on Friday, July 18, with the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge and WNBA STARRYÂŽ 3-Point Contest, broadcast live on ESPN, Disney+, and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET. The New York Liberty stole the spotlight, with Natasha Cloud winning the Skills Challenge and Sabrina Ionescu reclaiming the 3-Point Contest title, marking a rare sweep for one team.
The Skills Challenge, a timed obstacle course testing dribbling, passing, and shooting, featured Cloud (New York Liberty), Skylar Diggins and Erica Wheeler (Seattle Storm), Courtney Williams (Minnesota Lynx), and defending champion Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream). Cloud outlasted Wheeler in a thrilling final, clocking 36.4 seconds to Wheelerâs 37.5, with 1.1 seconds to spare. Her victory, celebrated with teammate and girlfriend Isabelle Harrison, was a highlight, reflecting the WNBAâs inclusivity. ESPNâs Katie Barnes noted, âCloudâs celebration with Harrison was a powerful moment, showcasing the leagueâs embrace of its playersâ identities.â
The 3-Point Contest saw Ionescu dominate, joined by Gray and Lexie Hull (Indiana Fever), who replaced an injured Caitlin Clark. Ionescuâs precision, especially on the AT&T-sponsored 4-point shots at 28 feet, captivated the crowd, securing her second title. Michael Voepel highlighted Grayâs humor, noting her quip about investing last yearâs prize money, adding charm to her competitive edge. The night buzzed with camaraderie, with players cheering each other, embodying the WNBAâs tight-knit community.
The All-Star Game: Team Clark vs. Team Collier
The centerpiece, the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, airs live on Saturday, July 19, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, Disney+, and ESPN+. Hosted at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the game pits Team Clark, coached by Minnesota Lynxâs Cheryl Reeve, against Team Collier, coached by New York Libertyâs Sandy Brondello. Captains Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) and Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), the top fan vote-getters, shaped the rosters, though Clark, Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream), and Satou Sabally (Phoenix Mercury) withdrew due to injuries. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert named Brittani Sykes, Kayla McBride, and Brionna Jones as replacements.
The roster draft, aired on ESPNâs WNBA Countdown on July 8 at 7 p.m. ET, saw Clark pick teammate Aliyah Boston first, while Collier chose Courtney Williams. Starters include Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle Storm, 10th All-Star), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty, 7th), Aâja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces, 7th), and Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings, 1st). Reserves feature first-time All-Stars like Washington Mystics rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, alongside veterans Skylar Diggins (Seattle Storm, 7th) and Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever, 3rd). The Fever lead with three representatives (Boston, Mitchell, Clark), followed by the Storm (Diggins, Ogwumike, Gabby Williams).
Innovative rules enhance the game: a 20-second shot clock, 4-point shots at 28 feet, hockey-style substitutions, and no free throws until the final two minutes, with fouled players credited points automatically. These changes, building on last yearâs 117-109 Team WNBA win over the U.S. national team, promise a fast-paced spectacle. Players earn a $2,575 bonus, with an extra $5,150 for the MVP, raising the stakes.
Despite Clarkâs absence, her influence is undeniable. Kendra Andrews noted, âClarkâs presence on the sideline will be felt. Sheâs a key reason Indianapolis is hosting, and her competitive spirit will shine through.â The Feverâs hosting reflects Clarkâs impact as the 2024 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year, drawing massive attention to the franchise.
Cultural and Community Resonance
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend is a cultural milestone, with Indianapolis embracing the event through signage and community engagement. Tickets sold out in seven hours on April 29, 2025, reflecting the WNBAâs surging popularity. WNBA Live Presented by Panini, a two-day fan festival at the Indiana Convention Center on July 18-19 (10 a.m.â7 p.m. ET), blends basketball, fashion, music, and culture, offering player appearances and interactive experiences.
The event underscores the WNBAâs inclusivity. Cloudâs Skills Challenge win and celebration with Harrison highlight the leagueâs support for LGBTQ players, resonating with fans. Ongoing CBA negotiations, discussed in a playersâ meeting on July 17, signal progress, with Commissioner Engelbert addressing these at her Saturday news conference. The WNBAâs commitment to its athletes strengthens its cultural impact.
Player Highlights: Veterans and Rookies Shine
The roster blends veterans and newcomers. Nneka Ogwumike (10th All-Star) ties legends Tamika Catchings and Brittney Griner, trailing only Sue Bird (13) and Diana Taurasi (11). Her leadership, alongside Skylar Digginsâ 18.7 PPG, anchors the Storm. Breanna Stewart (51.9% FG) and Aâja Wilson (21.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG) continue to dominate. Rookies like Paige Bueckers (18.4 PPG, 5.8 APG) and Washingtonâs Sonia Citron (14.6 PPG) and Kiki Iriafen (8.3 RPG) shine, while Gabby Williams (2.6 SPG) and Kayla Thornton (Golden State Valkyriesâ first All-Star) add depth.
Coaching and Selection
Coaches Cheryl Reeve (Lynx, 15-2) and Sandy Brondello (Liberty, 12-5) earned their roles based on team records through July 4, 2025. The selection process combines fan votes (50%), player votes (25%), and media votes (25%), with coaches choosing reserves, barred from voting for their own players.
A Bright Future for the WNBA
The 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Weekend, presented by ESPN, ABC, and Disney+, highlights the leagueâs rise. With 26 regular-season games on ESPN platforms and a best-of-seven WNBA Finals, the WNBA is growing. Disney+âs streaming debut expands its reach, making the All-Star Game a global event. Fans can follow on wnba.com or @WNBA and @ESPN on X.