This year’s WNBA All-Star game, set for July 20th, will showcase an exciting matchup between Team WNBA and the USA Women’s National Team, which includes players bound for the Olympics. The game, to be aired on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET, promises to be a thrilling event with top talents like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark teaming up on Team WNBA to face Olympic athletes.
The teams are composed of 12 players each, selected through a combination of fan votes, current WNBA players’ votes, and sports journalists’ votes, each contributing 50%, 25%, and 25% respectively. The game’s format pits all Olympic-bound players against a selection of other top players from the league, following the selection process determined by their voting results.
Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese headline WNBA All-Star team that will face US Olympic squad – https://t.co/fF4zGRomJd
— Canadanewsmedia (@canadanewsmedia) July 3, 2024
Caitlin Clark, who received the highest fan votes, alongside players like Aliyah Boston and Arike Ogunbowale, will headline Team WNBA. On the other side, the USA Women’s National Team will feature prominent players like Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi, and A’ja Wilson, forming a formidable lineup.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese named WNBA All-Stars, will face US Olympic squad | https://t.co/kx5nOHbNLg https://t.co/KDrn1aNpj0
— WMBB News 13 (@WMBBTV) July 3, 2024
The rivalry between Clark and Reese, both key players for their respective college teams and now professional stars, adds an extra layer of competitiveness to the game. Their previous encounters, particularly during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, have fueled a competitive narrative that fans are eager to see continue on the professional stage.
Moreover, the selection of players also speaks to the depth of talent in the league, with coaches given the task of filling the remaining spots on Team WNBA based on the players’ performance and popularity, as evidenced by the voting results. This method ensures that the league’s best talents are showcased, keeping the game competitive and exciting.
BREAKING NEWS: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese will be on the same thing for the WNBA All-Star event. This will be the first time they play together in their careers. Congratulations Rooks! pic.twitter.com/U8rHwwIJau
— CohenSpeaksHoops (@CohenSpeaksHoop) July 3, 2024
This year marks the second occurrence of this format being used, the first being before the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. It aims to provide the Olympic team with robust competition and allows the WNBA players to showcase their skills against some of the best talents in the sport, making it a highlight of the basketball calendar. Let’s hope they stop the racist nonsense.
Key Points:
i. The WNBA All-Star game on July 20th will feature Team WNBA against the USA Women’s National Team, including Olympic-bound players.
ii. The game will be broadcast live on ABC, highlighting top players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
iii. Players were selected based on a voting system involving fans, current players, and journalists, with the top vote-getters automatically earning spots on Team WNBA.
iv. The rivalry between standout players Clark and Reese adds a competitive edge to the game, stemming from their collegiate encounters.
v. This format, used previously in 2021, aims to provide the Olympic team with high-level competition and showcases the WNBA’s top talent.
Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
