The 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend isn’t just a celebration of elite athleticism—it’s a landmark moment in how women’s sports are broadcast and consumed. For the first time, ESPN and ABC have integrated cutting-edge technology and cross-platform streaming to bring fans a fully immersive viewing experience, reflecting the league’s growing cultural relevance and digital savvy.
This year’s coverage blends over 20 high-definition cameras with next-generation tools like RF (radio frequency) cameras and high-speed replay systems. These additions allow for shallow depth-of-field cinematic shots—long associated with major film productions—capturing dramatic facial expressions, in-game celebrations, and fan reactions in unprecedented detail. Meanwhile, high-speed cameras deliver ultra-slow-motion replays that elevate the storytelling around game-defining moments, from buzzer-beaters to intricate footwork during the Kia Skills Challenge.
In an expansion of previous innovations, the network has mic’d up select players and will feature live in-game interviews during broadcasts. Viewers will gain real-time insight into strategy, emotion, and camaraderie on the court—making the experience feel more connected and authentic. The WNBA Countdown studio team, anchored by voices like Rebecca Lobo, Andraya Carter, Holly Rowe, and Chiney Ogwumike, adds rich narrative context, social commentary, and historical framing.
Perhaps most transformative is the streaming availability on ESPN+ and Disney+, which joins traditional ESPN and ABC coverage. This expansion marks the WNBA’s debut on Disney+, giving global subscribers direct access to All-Star Weekend festivities for the first time. The move aligns with broader industry trends in which audiences—especially younger fans—favor mobile and on-demand access over fixed TV schedules.
This cross-platform approach is critical as the WNBA experiences a surge in popularity driven by breakout stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, as well as increasing corporate sponsorship and investment. By embracing new tech and expanding access, the league is positioning itself as not only a sports property but a dynamic media brand ready for the digital age.
All-Star Weekend’s hybrid of high-stakes gameplay and high-tech production underscores how the WNBA is reimagining sports presentation. It sends a strong message: women’s sports deserve, and now command, the same broadcast attention, innovation, and infrastructure traditionally reserved for their male counterparts. This year’s All-Star coverage isn’t just a glimpse into the WNBA’s future—it’s a model for how sports media can evolve to meet a more engaged, tech-savvy, and inclusive global fan base.