The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis was billed as a celebration of the league’s brightest stars, but it became much more: a showcase of basketball excellence, a platform for player activism, and a snapshot of a league on the cusp of transformative change.

Team Collier Runs Away With It

On the court, Team Collier controlled the action from the opening tip, defeating Team Clark in a wire-to-wire blowout. The game, played in front of a raucous crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, was missing one of its biggest attractions: Indiana Fever superstar and Team Clark captain Caitlin Clark, who sat out with a groin injury. Despite her absence, the All-Star festivities didn’t disappoint.

Napheesa Collier, the Minnesota Lynx standout and Team Collier’s captain, put on a historic performance, pouring in a record 36 points and earning All-Star Game MVP honors. Collier’s relentless scoring and leadership set the tone as her team built a 22-point halftime lead, never letting up.

Skylar Diggins-Smith, making a triumphant return to her home state, delivered a triple-double off the bench: 11 points, 11 rebounds, and a staggering 15 assists, breaking Sue Bird’s All-Star assist record. Diggins-Smith’s playmaking electrified the crowd, which included many of her family and friends from her South Bend and Notre Dame days.

Team Clark, meanwhile, battled injuries beyond Clark herself. A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young played limited minutes, and Satou Sabally joined Clark on the inactive list. Despite the adversity, the team’s spirit never wavered, with replacement starters like Kelsey Mitchell stepping up under the bright lights.

A New Era of Player Activism

But the night’s biggest statement may have come before the opening tip. In a bold display of unity, every All-Star took the court for warmups wearing shirts emblazoned with “Pay Us What You Owe Us.” The message was clear: WNBA players are demanding a fairer share of the league’s growing revenue as collective bargaining negotiations heat up.

After a recent, reportedly frustrating meeting between the players’ union and the league, the shirts signaled a new phase of activism. The WNBA’s current CBA expires in October 2025, and with the league’s business booming—attendance, TV ratings, and franchise values are all at all-time highs—players are determined not to settle for less.

As Skylar Diggins-Smith put it postgame, “We’re proud of how far the league has come, but we know our value. We’re asking for what we’ve earned.”

All-Star Festivities Highlight Growth

The All-Star weekend was a testament to just how far the WNBA has come. ESPN sent nearly 200 staffers to Indianapolis—up from 140 the previous year in Phoenix—underscoring the league’s surging media profile. Ticket sales were brisk, and the city buzzed with activity as fans packed events from the skills challenge to the 3-point contest.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, in her midseason address, hinted at even more expansion for All-Star weekend in the future, suggesting the addition of a rookie-sophomore game or other fan-friendly events. “Fans want more WNBA,” Engelbert said. “We’re going to deliver.”

The league’s growth is also evident off the court. Expansion is accelerating, with the Golden State Valkyries making their All-Star debut this year and five more teams expected by 2030. Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton, a first-time All-Star in her tenth season, received a thunderous ovation—symbolizing both perseverance and the league’s new horizons.

The “Eventization” of the WNBA

One of the themes of the weekend was the need to “eventize” more WNBA games—making each contest feel like a can’t-miss spectacle. The All-Star Game, with its new 4-point shot marker and creative team selection process (Clark and Collier drafted their squads live), exemplified this approach.

Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise has given the league new opportunities to draw in fans. There’s already talk of staging future Fever games in massive venues like Lucas Oil Stadium or even at iconic outdoor sites like Wrigley Field. “The WNBA needs to capitalize on Clark’s popularity and create signature events,” said one league executive. “That’s how you build tradition.”

Players Take Control of Their Stories

The All-Star Game also highlighted the growing influence of WNBA players as media personalities. Angel Reese, who has faced criticism but also sparked a movement, proudly discussed the success of her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel.” “It’s bigger than basketball,” Reese said. “I have impact in the culture—rappers, singers, artists, actors. I’m proud to see more players starting shows.”

She’s not alone. Aliyah Boston and Candace Parker announced their new podcast “Post Moves,” while Azzi Fudd is launching “Fudd Around and Find Out” with backing from Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media. Sue Bird’s “Bird’s Eye View” continues to deliver in-depth conversations about the league.

This explosion of player-driven content reflects a hunger for authentic voices and behind-the-scenes stories. “Fans want to hear directly from us,” said Boston. “It’s about connection.”

The Next Face of the League?

With so many stars, the question of who will be the WNBA’s “face” in five years loomed large over the weekend. While A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Collier continue to shine, younger players like Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Paige Bueckers are fast becoming household names.

An anonymous player poll by The Athletic found that Clark, despite her injury, is already seen by many of her peers as the league’s next defining superstar. Her blend of on-court excellence, charisma, and social media presence makes her a marketing dream—and a lightning rod for both praise and criticism.

Unrivaled NIL Deals and the Future of Women’s Hoops

Saturday also saw a major off-court development: Unrivaled, the new league co-founded by Collier, announced NIL (name, image, likeness) deals with 14 top college players, including Azzi Fudd, Flau’jae Johnson, and JuJu Watkins. “This is about elevating the women’s game and supporting athletes holistically,” said Unrivaled president Luke Cooper.

Such initiatives point to a future where women’s basketball players are empowered to build their brands and earn what they’re worth—on their terms.

A League at a Crossroads

As the final buzzer sounded and confetti rained down on Team Collier, the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game felt like more than just an exhibition. It was a declaration of intent from a league—and its players—ready to seize the moment.

With expansion, a lucrative new media deal, and a new generation of stars, the WNBA stands at an inflection point. The players’ message was unmistakable: the future is now, and they expect to be paid—and respected—accordingly.

For fans in Indianapolis and millions watching around the world, the All-Star Game was a glimpse of what’s possible when talent, activism, and entertainment come together. The WNBA’s brightest stars have never shone brighter—and they’re just getting started.