Sat Jul 12 20:20:00 UTC 2025: ## WNBA All-Star Reserves Spark Debate, Snubs and Hometown Hopes

**INDIANAPOLIS, IN** – The WNBA announced the reserves for the 2025 All-Star Game, set to take place in Indianapolis on July 19th, and the coaches’ selections have stirred up more debate than the initial fan-driven starter picks. The roster of 22 players, representing 12 of the league’s 13 teams, includes three rookies and has left some notable names off the list.

The Indiana Fever will have a strong presence, with three players making the cut: team captain Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. The Seattle Storm also boasts three All-Stars: Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, and Gabby Williams. League-leading Minnesota Lynx and defending champion New York Liberty each have two representatives.

However, several players were conspicuously absent from the All-Star roster, sparking criticism from ESPN analysts. Kayla McBride of the Lynx, despite posting numbers nearly identical to her All-Star season last year, was a major snub. Other names mentioned as potential All-Stars included Brittney Sykes (Washington Mystics), Brionna Jones (Atlanta Dream), Natasha Cloud (New York Liberty), and Dearica Hamby (Los Angeles Sparks).

While some players were left off the list, others are making their All-Star debut after years in the league. Golden State Valkyries’ Kayla Thornton, in her tenth season, finally earned a spot, marking a career year and highlighting the opportunity she’s seizing with the expansion team.

With the teams set, attention now turns to the All-Star Draft, where captains Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier will select their rosters. Speculation is rife about potential team compositions, with analysts suggesting Clark may prioritize her Fever teammates and other high-profile players like A’ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu. Collier, on the other hand, could lean towards her Lynx teammate and fellow UConn alumni like Breanna Stewart and Paige Bueckers.

Finally, the question on everyone’s mind is who will take home the MVP award in Indianapolis. Will it be a Fever player like Boston, Clark, or Mitchell, capitalizing on the hometown advantage? Or will a guard like Atlanta’s Allisha Gray continue the recent trend of guards dominating the award?

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