WNBA All-Star Starters Revealed: Angel Reese Left Out as Caitlin Clark Assembles Star-Studded Squad…Read More…
In a twist that has sent shockwaves through the women’s basketball world, the WNBA officially announced the starters for the 2025 All-Star Game — and one name was glaringly absent: Angel Reese. Despite a dominant rookie season that has dazzled fans and analysts alike, Reese did not make the starting lineup for Team WNBA, while her college rival turned professional phenomenon, Caitlin Clark, will headline the opposing roster as a fan-voted captain.
This year’s All-Star Game, set to take place in Phoenix on July 20th, features a unique twist: Team USA — composed of the players heading to the Paris Olympics — will face off against Team WNBA, a handpicked collection of the league’s most electrifying talent. With voting complete and selections confirmed, the starter list reads like a who’s who of women’s basketball royalty, yet Reese’s omission has triggered widespread debate and disappointment.
The All-Star Starters: A Tale of Two Teams
Leading Team USA are established stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, all expected to anchor the Olympic squad. On the other side, Caitlin Clark — the rookie phenom from Indiana Fever who shattered college scoring records and brought a new generation of fans to the WNBA — will captain Team WNBA. Joining Clark in the starting lineup are seasoned names and breakout players including Arike Ogunbowale, Aliyah Boston, Dearica Hamby, and Satou Sabally.
But the buzz isn’t just about who made it — it’s about who didn’t.
The Angel Reese Snub
Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky forward who has consistently posted double-doubles and recently broke the WNBA rookie record for consecutive games with 10+ rebounds, was widely considered a lock for All-Star consideration. Her gritty style, defensive dominance, and commanding presence in the paint have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s all-time greats.
Her stats speak for themselves: averaging 14.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, Reese has been pivotal for the Sky during a transitional season. Many analysts predicted her inclusion not only as a reserve but possibly as a starter. Yet when the starters were revealed, her name was absent — prompting outrage from fans, fellow players, and media alike.
“This feels personal,” tweeted former WNBA star Cappie Pondexter. “What more does Angel have to do? She’s a rebounding machine and the face of the next era. This isn’t just a snub — it’s a statement.”
The Clark-Reese Rivalry Renewed
The decision to name Caitlin Clark a starter, while arguably merited by her record-breaking shooting and global fan appeal, has inevitably drawn comparisons to Reese. The two rookies have been linked since their heated NCAA championship battle in 2023, and their professional careers have continued to play out under a media microscope.
Clark, who leads all rookies in scoring and assists, has been a magnet for endorsements and attention. Her selection as a captain was all but guaranteed once fan voting began. Yet some critics argue the imbalance in media narratives has overshadowed the equally remarkable achievements of players like Reese.
“Angel Reese is everything the league says it wants to promote — skill, swagger, marketability,” said ESPN’s Andraya Carter. “She’s selling out arenas and inspiring young girls. Leaving her off this list is a missed opportunity.”
Fan Reactions and Controversy
The announcement has triggered a firestorm across social media, with hashtags like #FreeAngel and #ReeseDeservesBetter trending on Twitter and Instagram. Fans have questioned the transparency of the selection process, suggesting that popularity — rather than performance — played too large a role in the outcome.
“I bought tickets for the All-Star Game just to see Angel play live,” wrote one fan on X. “Now I’m questioning if the system is even fair. This was HER moment.”
Others called out the league for what they perceive as inconsistent messaging.
“You say you want diversity, passion, and personality in the WNBA — then you bench one of the most charismatic and dominant rookies in the game?” read one viral tweet that garnered over 100,000 likes.
Reese Responds with Grace
Despite the uproar, Angel Reese has responded with her signature blend of grace and grit. In a statement shared on Instagram, she wrote: “I’m thankful for all the love and support. This season is far from over. I’ll keep working, keep grinding, and let my game speak. The real ones know.”
She also congratulated Caitlin Clark and the other starters, adding, “It’s all love — and I’ll be cheering from the sidelines if I’m not on the floor. But I’m not done yet.”
Looking Ahead
Though Reese could still be named a reserve when coaches finalize the full All-Star rosters next week, the damage — for many fans — is done. The perceived slight has added fuel to an already explosive narrative and ensured that the All-Star Game will be watched with even keener interest.
And if Angel Reese does get the call as a reserve?
You can bet she’ll play with a chip on her shoulder big enough to shake the desert floor in Phoenix.
For now, the stage is set: Clark leads one of the most star-studded WNBA teams in recent memory, and Reese — whether she’s playing or watching — remains the story everyone is talking about.
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game was already must-watch TV. Now, it’s a full-blown drama with stakes, snubs, and star power.
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