WNBA All-Star 2026 Roster Unveiled: Snubs and Key Reserves Highlighted

The WNBA's 2026 All-Star Game, scheduled for July 25 in Chicago's United Center, has generated considerable excitement with the recent announcement of 12 reserves selected by league coaches. This year, celebrating its 30th anniversary season, the event will feature a unique format where WNBA legends Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon will serve as honorary general managers, tasked with drafting their respective teams from the pool of 22 All-Stars.

Headlining the list of reserves is Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, who secured her 11th All-Star selection, an achievement that ties her with Diana Taurasi for the second-most in league history, surpassed only by Sue Bird's 13 selections. Ogwumike, also the WNBA's fourth-leading all-time scorer and rebounder, continues to showcase elite performance in her 15th season. Her Sparks teammate Kelsey Plum received her fifth All-Star nod, though her status for the game is uncertain due to a lower leg injury. Making their All-Star debuts are Toronto Tempo's Marina Mabrey (in her eighth season) and Seattle Storm's Dominique Malonga (in her second season). New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones will make her sixth All-Star appearance, the second-most among the reserves behind Ogwumike. The remaining reserves include Atlanta's Allisha Gray (fourth appearance), Rhyne Howard (fourth), and Angel Reese (third); Washington's Kiki Iriafen (second) and Sonia Citron (second); Las Vegas' Jackie Young (fifth); and Minnesota's Courtney Williams (third). These reserves will join the 10 previously named All-Star starters: Indiana's Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and Kelsey Mitchell; Dallas' Paige Bueckers and Jessica Sheppard; Minnesota's Olivia Miles and Natasha Howard; Las Vegas' A'ja Wilson; New York's Breanna Stewart; and Golden State's Gabby Williams.

The selection process inevitably led to debates about potential