Source: Steph Chambers / GettyThe 2025 WNBA All-Star Game brought together a dazzling array of talent and excitement in Indianapolis. From historic moments on the court to standout fashion statements on the Orange Carpet, we have compiled an in-depth recap of all the thrilling highlights that showcased both the athletic prowess and vibrant personalities of the players.
The exhilarating festivities kicked off on Thursday, July 17, featuring a stunning catwalk where players flaunted their athletic physiques and unique fashion sense while strutting down the league’s Orange Carpet, sponsored by the dating app Bumble. Among the style icons was the Chitown Barbie, Angel Reese, who captivated onlookers in a full leopard ensemble, complete with dark sunglasses, a chic high bun, and a striking merlot lip color. Meanwhile, our beloved MVP, the seven-time All-Star A’ja Wilson, paid tribute to her signature in-game aesthetic with a striking wine-colored gown that featured a daring thigh-high split to accentuate her flawless legs.
Before the highly-anticipated showdown between Team Clark, led by Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, and Team Collier, captained by Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, other WNBA stars set the Gainbridge Fieldhouse ablaze during the Starry 3-Point Contest and the Kia Skills Challenge held on Friday night. The New York Liberty’s dynamic guard, Sabrina Ionescu, secured her second three-point contest trophy, while her teammate Natasha Cloud triumphed in the skills challenge amidst fierce competition.
The highlight of the weekend soon became the 72-hour livestream hosted by Lynx players Courtney Williams and Natisha Heideman, affectionately known as the “Studbudz.” This entertaining stream featured unforgettable moments, including WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert dancing to “Knuck If You Buck,” Caitlin Clark letting loose, and the 2025 No. 1 draft pick, Paige Bueckers, passionately singing Keyshia Cole’s “Love.” Fans eagerly tuned in for this behind-the-scenes access, providing a fun and candid glimpse that ESPN would typically shy away from airing.
As the festivities wind down, it remains to be seen how the league will respond to the candid footage shared during the livestream. However, devoted WNBA fans are advocating for the Studbudz to become a permanent fixture of the All-Star Weekend. We wholeheartedly support this idea!
Despite the abundance of standout moments throughout the weekend, the actual game garnered less excitement than the preceding events; nonetheless, the players delivered an exhilarating performance. One of the most cherished aspects of the WNBA All-Star Game is the thrilling 4-point shots that players can easily rack up, adding to the overall excitement of the match. As the league continues to break records and exceed expectations, the presence of celebrities in the audience has noticeably increased.
Among the notable celebrities in attendance were basketball legend Dawn Staley, rapper Plies, NBA stars Bam Adebayo and Tyrese Haliburton, as well as Hall of Famer Pau Gasol, WNBA icon Lisa Leslie, and Robin Roberts from Good Morning America. However, it was halftime performer GloRilla who truly electrified the crowd. Performing her chart-topping hits, including “Let Her Cook,” “Typa,” and “TGIF,” the Memphis native showcased her undeniable talent and ability to light up the stage.
The weekend wasn’t just about fun and festivities; players took advantage of the media spotlight to address the ongoing issue of pay disparity in women’s basketball. During warmups, they donned “Pay Us What You Owe Us” t-shirts, highlighting their demand for equitable compensation. As the league approaches its next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), both seasoned veterans and newcomers are gearing up to advocate for increased salaries, fair revenue sharing, and a more equitable percentage of the league’s earnings. Currently, WNBA players receive only around nine percent of league revenue, a stark contrast to their NBA counterparts, who enjoy between 49 and 51 percent. This significant disparity has long been a contentious issue among women players.
WNBPA President Breanna Stewart stated, “The biggest thing that’s the holdup right now is we want more salary, we want bigger salaries, and that type of thing, but we want to talk about the percentages and the revenue share. Based on their most recent proposal, we just aren’t able to get to a place where we’re actually even talking about the same thing.”
The weekend culminated in an impressive victory for Team Collier, who triumphed with a score of 151-131. League veteran Skylar Diggins made history by recording the first triple-double in WNBA All-Star Game history, while Napheesa Collier shone brightly, scoring 36 points to lead her team to a well-deserved win.
