Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier: WNBA All-Star Draft Results

By Jocelyn Alano July 09, 2025 09:30

The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game draft, held on July 8, showcased two of the league’s brightest stars Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier—as captains tasked with assembling their teams for the midsummer classic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Clark, the fan vote leader with over 1.29 million votes, had the first overall pick and wasted no time selecting her Indiana Fever teammate, Aliyah Boston, signaling a strong home-court representation. Collier, the Minnesota Lynx forward and second-highest vote-getter, responded by choosing her own teammate, Breanna Stewart, setting the tone for a competitive and star-studded showdown.

Clark’s team quickly took shape around familiar faces. After Boston, she added elite talents such as Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty), A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), and Satou Sabally (Phoenix Mercury) among the starters. Her reserves included Fever sharpshooter Kelsey Mitchell, alongside versatile players like Gabby Williams (Seattle Storm) and Sonia Citron (Washington Mystics). “There’s a strong likelihood that Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston will be on my squad,” Clark had hinted during an open practice, and she delivered on that promise, creating a roster with both offensive firepower and defensive prowess.

On the other side, Collier’s selections emphasized a blend of experience and youthful talent. After picking Stewart first among starters, she chose Allisha Gray, Nneka Ogwumike, and rookie sensation Paige Bueckers to round out her starting five. Collier’s reserves featured fellow Lynx guard Courtney Williams, Skylar Diggins, and Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky forward whose selection sparked notable social media buzz due to her ongoing friendly rivalry with Clark. Reese embraced her spot on Team Collier, tweeting, “#TeamPHEE” and praising the stacked lineup. Collier’s bench also included veterans like Alyssa Thomas and Kelsey Plum, ensuring depth and versatility.

The draft featured a playground-style format, with Clark choosing first among starters and Collier getting the initial pick among reserves. The captains engaged in a bit of strategic negotiation post-draft, with Clark proposing a trade involving Satou Sabally and Breanna Stewart to bolster her team’s size, though Collier declined. Instead, the two agreed on a coach swap, with Sandy Brondello (New York Liberty) coaching Team Clark and Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota Lynx) leading Team Collier, adding an intriguing twist to the event.

The 2025 All-Star Game also highlighted the Indiana Fever’s strong presence, with three players Clark, Boston, and Mitchell representing the host city, marking the second consecutive year the Fever had such a significant showing. This reflects the franchise’s resurgence and growing fanbase.

While the draft celebrated the league’s top talent, some notable snubs sparked discussion. Minnesota Lynx’s Kayla McBride, a sharpshooter averaging over 40% from three-point range, and Alanna Smith, known for her efficiency and rebounding, were among the players who narrowly missed out despite strong seasons.

As the WNBA prepares for its All-Star weekend festivities, the Clark-Collier rivalry and their star-studded teams promise an electrifying game. With a mix of established stars and rising talents, the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game is set to be a showcase of skill, competition, and the growing prominence of women’s basketball.

In Clark’s words, “Playing alongside my Fever teammates in front of our home crowd is special. We’re ready to put on a show.” Collier echoed the sentiment, emphasizing team unity and competitiveness. Fans can look forward to a thrilling contest on July 19, celebrating the best the WNBA has to offer.