The 2025 AT&T WNBA All‑Star Game, held on Saturday, July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, captivated a packed arena during its debut in the city. Spearheaded by captains Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier, the high-octane exhibition showcased the league’s evolution and underscored Indianapolis’s growing role as a center for elite women’s sporting events.
Despite being named one of the captains and drawing a record-breaking 1.29 million fan votes, Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark was sidelined due to a groin injury and did not play in the game or participate in the 3‑Point Contest . Nevertheless, her influence loomed large across the weekend, with local businesses and media highlighting her “halo effect” on the city’s economy—boosting ticket sales, hotel occupancy, and TV viewership . Clark stayed active as honorary co‑coach alongside Sandy Brondello, engaging with fans and media despite her absence from the court.
Napheesa Collier, her counterpart and Minnesota Lynx forward, led Team Collier to a decisive 151–131 victory over Team Clark. Collier earned All‑Star MVP honors after delivering a record-setting 36 points—the most ever in WNBA All‑Star Game history.
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The All‑Star weekend kicked off on Friday, July 18, with a robust slate of events, including the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge and the STARRY® 3‑Point Contest. The New York Liberty dominated the evening, with Natasha Cloud winning the Skills Challenge and Sabrina Ionescu claiming her second STARRY® 3‑Point title after a stellar 30‑point final round. The competitions, broadcast live on ESPN, drew over 15,000 enthusiastic fans.
The WNBA introduced heightened fan engagement through special game rules: a 4‑point shot, 20‑second shot clock, dynamic player substitutions, and free throws only during the final two minutes and in overtime. Additionally, the weekend featured “WNBA Live” fan festivals, concerts, athlete meet‑and‑greets, and cultural programming that complemented the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration.
The excitement surrounding the event translated into tangible numbers. Tickets for All‑Star weekend went on sale April 29 and sold out within seven hours, demonstrating unprecedented local support. Attendance for the All‑Star Game itself set a new standard for WNBA events. Moreover, broadcast ratings showed a continuing upward trend, building on the league’s viewership surge from 481,000 in 2021 to 3.4 million in 2024.
Napheesa Collier’s MVP performance underscored the depth of talent in the league. Her 36‑point explosion was complemented by Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins achieving the first triple‑double in WNBA All‑Star history, further underscoring the high level of play on display. The offensive showcase did not detract from the talent spotlighted during All‑Star Friday, where standout New York Liberty players demonstrated consistency and poise under pressure.
Beyond the court, the All‑Star Game represented a cultural shift, reflecting broader momentum behind women’s sports. Good Morning America aired live from the event, featuring interviews with Breanna Stewart and Paige Bueckers, signaling the crossover appeal and mainstream recognition of WNBA athletes. The halftime show featured rapper GloRilla, and the pre‑game performance by BIA, underscoring the event’s entertainment value.
Indianapolis, riding the wave of Caitlin Clark’s impact, reinforced its position as a rising epicenter for women’s basketball and sporting events overall. Local sports officials and Pacers Sports & Entertainment emphasized that the weekend aimed to enhance the city’s profile while providing tangible benefits for the community.
The long-term implications of the 2025 All‑Star weekend loom large. League officials previewed expansion plans—with new franchises planned, including one in Cleveland—reflecting confidence in the sport’s growth and commercial viability. The successful staging of high-profile events in Indianapolis supports broader league ambitions to expand nationally. Game innovations like fan-interactive rules hint at a future where events are valued for both athletic excellence and spectacle.
As the WNBA season resumes, Clark remains a compelling narrative—even while injured. Her record-setting popularity, earning over 1.2 million fan votes, reflects a shift in women’s sports dynamics. The league’s continued ascension is mirrored in revenue growth, franchise valuations, and social media engagement, fueling optimism for the future .
The 2025 AT&T WNBA All‑Star Game represented more than an exhibition matchup: it was a celebration of rising athletes, league innovation, and community engagement. As Indianapolis basks in the spotlight, the WNBA’s vision for a brighter, broader future in women’s sports appears more attainable than ever.