Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx have been named the captains for the 2025 WNBA All-Star draft due to their status as the top vote-getters by fans. This announcement came on Sunday ahead of the league’s All-Star Game, which will take place on July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, home of the Fever.
Clark receiving 1,293,526 votes and Collier securing 1,176,020 votes highlights their significant popularity and impact within the league. As captains, they will have the unique opportunity to act as general managers and select players for their respective All-Star teams during ESPN’s WNBA Countdown on Tuesday, July 8.
Selection Process and Voting Details
While the two stars earned their captaincy as the top fan choices, the complete roster of starters will be decided with input from players and media alongside fans. The WNBA has established a voting system in which fans contribute 50 percent, media members 25 percent, and current players 25 percent of the overall vote. Following this, head coaches are responsible for naming the 12 reserves but cannot vote for their own team members.
Once the starters and reserves are finalized, Clark and Collier will alternate picks starting with the other eight selected starters, followed by selections from the reserves. This draft format allows both captains to build competitive teams by strategically choosing from top talent across the league.
Leading Vote-Getters and Potential Draft Picks
Clark and Collier’s leadership roles were expected as they were the highest vote recipients in the initial returns. Clark led with 515,993 votes, closely followed by Collier at 484,758. Aliyah Boston of the Fever was third with 446,961 votes, and three-time MVP A’ja Wilson was fourth with 394,600 votes. These numbers suggest that Boston will be a prime candidate for Clark’s first pick, especially since the All-Star Game is set in Indianapolis, where Fever fans will be keen to see their star players team up.
For Collier, Breanna Stewart stands out as a likely early pick. Stewart’s decorated career, including three championships and two league MVP awards, combined with her college success alongside Collier at UConn, positions her as a powerful selection that would create a formidable duo for the Lynx captain’s team. Their existing chemistry, strengthened by their experience in the Unrivaled league, promises an exciting dynamic for the All-Star contest.
The Significance of the All-Star Draft for the League and Fans
Having Clark and Collier lead the 2025 WNBA All-Star draft not only highlights their growing influence but also symbolizes the league‘s commitment to showcasing its stars in creative and engaging ways. Fans’ role in voting demonstrates the league’s dedication to involving its audience in key decisions.
With the game hosted at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, local fans will get to witness Clark in a leadership role on home court, creating an electric atmosphere. The draft selections by these captains will shape the excitement and competitiveness of the All-Star Game, as both Clark and Collier are expected to craft teams filled with top talent and strong connections.