Less than half of WNBA players voted for All-Star starters
Only 85 ballots cast for WNBA All-Star starters in Chicago amid skepticism over voting effectiveness.
Only 85 ballots cast for WNBA All-Star starters in Chicago amid skepticism over voting effectiveness.
Less than half of WNBA players cast ballots for All-Star Game starters ahead of the Chicago event, according to ESPN sources. Only around 85 of the league’s roughly 180 players participated in the voting process, a participation rate that falls well below the halfway mark. The low turnout raises immediate questions about player engagement and the credibility of the annual showcase.
The WNBA All-Star Game is staged in Chicago this year, but the diminished voter participation underscores a growing disconnect between the league’s stars and the marquee midseason event. Historically, the league has relied on player votes to determine starters, but the current turnout suggests waning enthusiasm or confidence in the process. The logistical friction cannot be ignored.
A compressed season schedule leaves little bandwidth for administrative exercises, and for many athletes, the ballot box feels like just another task on a relentless to-do list. If the league wants genuine investment, the mechanism must evolve from a passive obligation to a seamless part of the digital ecosystem. Forcing a generation of players accustomed to instant engagement into a clunky, traditional voting system guarantees apathy.
Chicago deserves a showcase that matches the city's basketball pedigree, not a watered-down exhibition born of indifference. When the starters are decided by a minority, the on-court product risks becoming a hollow echo of what the league claims to be. This isn't merely a PR hiccup; it is a fundamental operational flaw that threatens the commercial viability of the All-Star weekend.
Without a roster that commands universal respect from the locker room, the event becomes a television prop rather than a genuine celebration of excellence. A sub-50% return rate acts as a stark referendum on the event's current standing. When the primary stakeholders—the athletes themselves—ignore the ballot box, the product inevitably suffers.
The Chicago showcase was intended to be a celebration of the game's growth, yet the numbers reveal a friction between the league's marketing calendar and the players' on-court reality. If the stars do not value the selection mechanism, the fans will struggle to invest in the outcome. The silence from the league office regarding these figures is telling.
By failing to address the nearly 100 abstentions, the WNBA risks normalizing this disengagement rather than treating it as an urgent structural failure. The system, designed to empower peers to recognize peers, now resembles a bureaucratic hurdle. Restoring integrity requires moving beyond tradition and acknowledging that the current voting model is outdated for a league that increasingly prioritizes player autonomy and voice.
ESPN reporting indicates the league office has not publicly addressed the turnout figures or outlined potential reforms. The gap between participation and league size—nearly 100 players abstained—highlights a structural issue that could reshape how the All-Star Game is perceived and operated in future seasons. WNBA Players Association executive director Terri Jackson declined to comment on the voting figures but emphasized the importance of player-driven initiatives in league events.
The union’s stance reflects broader tensions over how the league balances tradition with evolving player priorities. What's next: The league is expected to review participation data and may convene discussions with team captains and the players’ association ahead of the 2025 All-Star cycle. Potential solutions include mandatory voting thresholds or alternative selection methods to restore credibility and engagement. Read at ESPN
The low voter turnout for WNBA All-Star starters exposes cracks in the league’s signature midseason event. With fewer than half the players participating, the integrity of the voting process—and the All-Star Game’s long-term appeal—is at risk. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about whether the league’s marquee event still resonates with its own players, a core constituency whose buy-in is non-negotiable.
ESPNespn.comBy Alexa PhilippouJul 3, 5:08 AMen
Robert Lewandowski becomes the new leader of Chicago Fire. The team's players are already talking about a change in approach and are counting on his goals and charisma. Debut on July 17 against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
A back-and-forth duel in Cleveland saw the South Siders leave with a one-run win, sealed by a late rally and a sharp defensive play.
Brayan Rocchio’s ninth-inning two-run blast lifts Cleveland past Chicago to open a pivotal four-game set.
Brayan Rocchio’s ninth-inning blast seals a 6-5 Guardians victory, giving Cleveland early leverage in a pivotal AL Central series against Chicago.
Houston secures its defensive anchor with a massive long-term commitment despite injury concerns.
The Indiana Fever send three starters to Phoenix, proving the league's obsession with Caitlin Clark is real.
The Lakers bet big on Luka Doncic after LeBron James' exit, trading star power for youth and upside in a high-risk, high-reward gamble.
Knicks warn that Trump's Game 3 appearance may spark protests, tighter security and a charged vibe, urging fans to stay calm and brace for a louder night at MSG.
Brayan Rocchio’s ninth-inning blast seals a 6-5 Guardians victory, giving Cleveland early leverage in a pivotal AL Central series against Chicago.
Brayan Rocchio’s ninth-inning two-run blast lifts Cleveland past Chicago to open a pivotal four-game set.
A back-and-forth duel in Cleveland saw the South Siders leave with a one-run win, sealed by a late rally and a sharp defensive play.
Philadelphia aims for the title with a mind-boggling summer trade, Boston bets on an uncertain future.
Caitlin Clark headlines the WNBA All-Star roster for the third straight year as Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston join her in the starting lineup.
McNutt breaks down starters, snubs, and the league's shifting power dynamics.
The Golden State Valkyries player makes history by becoming the first French player to start the WNBA All-Star Game after an explosive 2025-2026 season.
The Indiana Fever send three starters to Phoenix, proving the league's obsession with Caitlin Clark is real.
ESPN breaks down the pivotal runs and defensive stops that decided the June 27th contest.
The June 24th Windy City clash distilled to the plays that shifted momentum and sealed the result.
Knicks warn that Trump's Game 3 appearance may spark protests, tighter security and a charged vibe, urging fans to stay calm and brace for a louder night at MSG.
Wrestling Inc. reports the Chicago native will step back into the ring Monday at Allstate Arena, but the long-term script remains unwritten. Punk’s return could redefine the summer schedule.
Bueckers drained 11 straight points in the final frame to erase a double-digit deficit and secure Dallas’s fourth win of the season.
Phoenix secured a third straight win with a dominant 90-67 victory over Seattle, fueled by Kahleah Copper’s scoring outburst.
Phoenix’s bench outscored Seattle late while Breanna Stewart and Skylar Diggins-Smith traded clutch plays in a fast-paced WNBA thriller.
Angel Reese exposes the WNBA’s All-Star selection flaw after Atlanta’s 15-3 dominance goes unrewarded in the league’s marquee event.
Your go‑to guide for today’s Monday knockout action: exact kickoff times, TV line‑up and streaming options for every World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match.
Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman led a 12-3 rout, exposing Oakland's pitching woes before the All-Star break while the Dodgers flex their lineup depth.
Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman led a 12-3 rout, exposing Oakland's pitching woes before the All-Star break while the Dodgers flex their lineup depth.
Arizona Diamondbacks showcase offensive might in a blowout win over San Francisco Giants, signaling playoff ambitions.
Four-hit hero Mack fuels Miami's visit to NL West contenders Diamondbacks.
Angel Reese exposes the WNBA’s All-Star selection flaw after Atlanta’s 15-3 dominance goes unrewarded in the league’s marquee event.
