WNBA 2026 All-Star frontrunners

With the 2026 WNBA season approaching its midpoint, attention is beginning to shift toward one of the league’s premier summer showcases: The WNBA All-Star Game, this year taking place in Chicago. Some established superstars continue to dominate the league, while several younger or breakout players are building strong cases for their first All-Star appearances. Fan voting, media selections, and player ballots will ultimately determine the final roster, but early-season performances have already created a clear group of frontrunners.

All-Star starters

A’ja Wilson

A’ja Wilson remains the gold standard in the WNBA. The Las Vegas star continues to dominate on both ends of the floor, combining efficient scoring with rebounding and intimidating defensive prowess. Wilson’s consistency, leadership, reputation, and ability to control games in virtually every facet have placed her firmly at the forefront of MVP discussions once again, making her one of the safest All-Star starter selections in the league.

Breanna Stewart

Breanna Stewart continues to serve as the centerpiece of New York’s championship aspirations, carrying the Liberty through their shaky start to the 2026 WNBA season. One of the most versatile players in basketball, Stewart contributes as a scorer, rebounder, defender, and facilitator. Her ability to affect games in multiple ways has kept her name among the league’s elite performers for years, and this campaign is no different. Stewart’s proven excellence and strong fan support make her a clear favorite to start the All-Star Game.

Paige Bueckers

Paige Bueckers enjoyed a remarkable rookie campaign in 2025, quickly emerging as one of the WNBA’s brightest stars. Her polished offensive game, elite court vision, and composure under pressure have translated seamlessly into success for the Wings in her second pro season. Bueckers has already become one of the league’s most popular players and appears poised to earn one of the highest vote totals again in 2026.

Olivia Miles

Olivia Miles has been one of the most impressive rookies in the WNBA. Her elite passing skills, defensive instincts, and poise have led her to thrive immediately at the professional level. Miles has become a central figure in the Lynx’s success and appears well-positioned for an All-Star appearance in her first year.

Angel Reese

Angel Reese has continued her rapid ascent into superstardom with the Dream. Her rebounding dominance, relentless competitiveness, and improved offensive efficiency have made her one of the most productive young players in the W. Reese’s popularity among fans and her growing influence on Atlanta’s winning ways have surely secured her a starting All-Star spot.

Kelsey Plum

Kelsey Plum remains one of the most explosive offensive players in the WNBA, even while battling injury scares. Her ability to score from anywhere on the floor and create offense in critical moments has helped maintain her status among the league’s elite guards. Plum’s scoring production and fan recognition should help secure another All-Star starting appearance.

Aliyah Boston

Aliyah Boston continues to establish herself as one of the WNBA’s premier frontcourt players. Her interior defense, rebounding, and efficient scoring have made her indispensable to Indiana. Boston’s consistency and importance to one of the league’s most visible teams make her deserving of a place among the starters.

Caitlin Clark

Despite some ups and downs to start the 2026 WNBA season, Caitlin Clark is expected to enter the All-Star race as the most likely overall vote leader. The Fever superstar continues to put her combination of elite scoring, deep shooting range, and exceptional playmaking ability on display more often than not. As one of the faces of the WNBA, Clark is a near-certain All-Star starter.

Natasha Howard

Natasha Howard remains one of the W’s most respected veterans, and her return season with the Lynx has proven why. Her imposing paint presence, combined with her leadership and championship experience, continues to make her one of the team’s most valuable assets. Howard’s steady production should earn her serious consideration for a starting spot.

Jessica Shepard

Jessica Shepard has quietly put together one of the strongest seasons of her career. Her rebounding, physicality, and efficient scoring have made her a crucial part of the Wings’ surge, and she’s currently the only player to have at least one triple-double this year (she’s put up two so far). Shepard’s consistent production has elevated her into a clear All-Star position and could earn her a well-deserved first appearance.

All-Star reserves

Allisha Gray

Allisha Gray continues to be one of the W’s most dependable players. Her efficient scoring, defensive versatility, and leadership have made her a vital contributor for Atlanta. Gray may not receive the same number of fan votes as some of her peers, but her performance has been All-Star worthy.

Rhyne Howard

Rhyne Howard has further strengthened her reputation as one of the WNBA’s premier young wings. Her ability to score at all three levels while defending multiple positions makes her one of the most complete players in the Eastern Conference. Howard’s growth as a leader for the Dream has only enhanced her All-Star case.

Kelsey Mitchell

Kelsey Mitchell has produced one of the strongest offensive seasons of her career so far. Her scoring ability complements Clark perfectly, giving Indiana one of the most dangerous backcourts in the WNBA. Mitchell’s consistency and offensive firepower have elevated her status into the All-Star conversation.

Chelsea Gray

Chelsea Gray continues to demonstrate why she earned the nickname of “Point Gawd.” Her court vision, leadership, and clutch play remain invaluable. Gray’s influence on winning extends beyond traditional statistics, making her a strong reserve candidate.

Marina Mabrey

Marina Mabrey has delivered one of the most productive stretches of her career during the first half of the Tempo’s inaugural season. Her confidence, shot-making ability, and offensive creativity have made her a major factor for Toronto. Mabrey’s strong performances should place her firmly among the All-Star selections.

Shakira Austin

Shakira Austin has emerged as one of the the Mystics’ key pieces and Eastern Conference’s breakout frontcourt players. Her development as a scorer and defender has been instrumental to Washington, helping the young team rebuild faster than expected. Austin’s improvement and overall impact have elevated her into a legitimate All-Star spot.

Jonquel Jones

Jonquel Jones remains one of the most complete bigs in the WNBA. Her ability to stretch defenses offensively while protecting the rim defensively creates unique matchup challenges, and she’s been one of the Liberty’s anchors amid their early season woes. As a foundational piece of New York’s successes, Jones deserves recognition among the league’s top performers.

Alyssa Thomas

Alyssa Thomas remains one of the most versatile and well-rounded players in the W. Few athletes contribute across as many statistical categories while maintaining such a significant impact on the team, despite the Mercury’s disappointing start in 2026. Her all-around excellence makes her difficult to leave off any All-Star roster.

Jackie Young

Jackie Young continues to thrive as one of the W’s most versatile guards. Young contributes in every phase of the game, and her efficiency and all-around production have been crucial to the Aces’ success, making her a strong choice to round out Las Vegas’ selections.

Brittney Sykes

Brittney Sykes has built a compelling All-Star case through her outstanding two-way play and leadership in Toronto. Long recognized as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, Sykes has expanded her offensive responsibilities and become a reliable scoring option while continuing to create opportunities for teammates. Her ability to impact games with her energy makes her one of the most valuable guards in the league. As one of the driving forces behind the Tempo’s surprising competitiveness during the first half of the season, Sykes has positioned herself as a strong candidate for a reserve selection and one of the most deserving veteran players in the 2026 All-Star conversation.

Veronica Burton

Veronica Burton has emerged from the pack as the Valkyries have become one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 season. She has expanded her offensive game, averaging career highs in points and field goal percentage, while maintaining her trademark intensity. The Valkyries’ stunning follow-up performance has transformed Burton into a legitimate All-Star candidate.

Carla Leite

Carla Leite has emerged as one of the most impressive young guards in the WNBA during the 2026 season. She has showcased advanced playmaking skills, confidence as a scorer, and a strong understanding of pace and spacing. Leite’s ability to contribute efficiently as a shooter has made her one of the most important young players in the league. She has consistently delivered beyond expectations and played a significant role in the Fire’s success during their first season. Leite has also built a legitimate case for a surprising but well-deserved All-Star selection.

Honorable Mentions

Skylar Diggins

Skylar Diggins is one of the most respected veterans in the WNBA and continues to play at a high level in 2026, even on a struggling Sky team. Diggins’ leadership, experience, ability to control the pace of a game, create offense for teammates, and deliver in clutch moments are invaluable assets, and while she narrowly misses this projected All-Star roster, she remains one of the strongest candidates to earn a reserve spot if injuries or roster changes occur before selections are finalized.

Kahleah Copper

Kahleah Copper remains one of the W’s most dynamic scorers and toughest competitors when healthy. Despite the Mercury’s challenges during the early stages of the 2026 season, Copper’s ability to perform continues to make her one of the WNBA’s premier wings. Her proven track record ensures that she remains firmly on the radar for All-Star consideration. If she can build momentum during the weeks leading up to roster selection, Copper has the talent and reputation to quickly move back into the center of the All-Star conversation.

Chennedy Carter

Chennedy Carter has reminded fans why she remains one of the most talented offensive guards in professional basketball. Her ability to attack the basket, create her own shot, and generate instant offense off the Aces’ bench makes her a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. Carter’s explosiveness and scoring ability have produced several standout performances during the first half of the season. While she faces stiff competition at a deep guard position, her talent and production make her worthy of at least an honorable mention.

Gabby Williams

Gabby Williams continues to prove that impact extends far beyond scoring statistics. One of the league’s most versatile defenders, Williams consistently affects games with her energy, defensive instincts, rebounding, and playmaking. Her ability to guard multiple positions and contribute in nearly every facet of the game makes her a valuable asset to her new Valkyries squad. Although her all-around contributions can sometimes be overlooked in All-Star discussions, Williams remains one of the most effective and respected players in the WNBA and is firmly on the fringe of an All-Star spot.

Kiki Iriafen

Kiki Iriafen has been one of the most impressive young forwards in the W and has quickly established herself as a major part of Washington’s future. Her physicality, rebounding, and efficient scoring around the basket have allowed her to consistently produce against experienced frontcourt players, showing a maturity beyond her years. Although competition for frontcourt spots is particularly strong this season, her performance through June has earned her some consideration in the broader All-Star conversation.

The 2026 WNBA All-Star race showcases the league’s remarkable depth of talent, featuring a blend of established superstars, emerging young standouts, and breakout performers. What makes this year’s race particularly fascinating is the sheer number of deserving candidates. Several players listed among the honorable mentions would have strong cases for selection in many previous seasons, proving just how competitive the league has become.

As voting continues and the regular season progresses, performances over the next several weeks could dramatically reshape the final All-Star roster. Whether through veteran leadership, superstar dominance, or breakthrough performances, each of these athletes has helped define the story of the 2026 WNBA season and contributed to one of the most compelling All-Star races in recent memory.

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