WNBA All-Star 2026: New Faces and Your Vote
Key Insights
Fan Power: Fans account for 50% of the vote for All-Star starters, alongside players (25%) and media (25%). This means your vote directly impacts who makes the team.
Key Dates: Voting for the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game runs from Thursday, June 11, to Saturday, June 27. The game itself is on Saturday, July 25, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Breakout Stars: Several players are having career-best seasons and are strong contenders for their first All-Star selections, including Jessica Shepard, Veronica Burton, Olivia Miles, Marina Mabrey, Shakira Austin, Carla Leite, and Bridget Carleton.
Engagement Opportunities: Participate in "2-for-1 Days" where your votes count twice (June 12, June 17, June 24) and enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to the All-Star Game.
Why This Matters: The emergence of new All-Stars injects fresh energy and narratives into the league, showcasing the depth of talent and the ongoing evolution of the game. For fans, the voting process offers a unique opportunity to directly support their favorite players and influence one of the WNBA's premier events. It highlights how individual performances are recognized and celebrated, often paving the way for future league leaders.
In-Depth Analysis
The Race for First-Time All-Star Honors
The 2026 WNBA season has already seen remarkable performances from players looking to make their mark on the All-Star stage. Last season saw six first-time All-Stars, and this year's class is shaping up to be equally exciting. Here are some of the top contenders:
Jessica Shepard (Dallas Wings): A dominant force, Shepard is one of only four players averaging a double-double and has recorded the season's only triple-doubles. Averaging career highs of 13 points, 11.4 rebounds (leading the WNBA), and 6.5 assists, she's stepped into a star role for the Wings.
Veronica Burton (Golden State Valkyries): The WNBA's Most Improved Player last season, Burton continues her ascent with a monster two-way season. As the Valkyries' leading scorer and playmaker, she's averaging 14.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1 steal, and 0.9 blocks.
Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx): A promising rookie, Miles is making a strong case despite fierce competition among guards. She's a key reason the Lynx are succeeding amidst injuries, running the offense and ranking as the team's third-leading scorer and sixth in total assists league-wide.
Marina Mabrey (Toronto Tempo): Mabrey has excelled as a face of the competitive Toronto Tempo, averaging 18.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals. She ranks ninth in the W in points per game, proving her impact.
Shakira Austin (Washington Mystics): One of the most productive bigs this season, Austin is off to her best start with 17.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks. She's competing for votes with teammate Kiki Iriafen but her performance speaks volumes.
Carla Leite (Portland Fire): The second-year player has been instrumental in the Portland Fire's surprising competitiveness. Leading her expansion team with 15.9 points and 5 assists per game, Leite's consistent delivery as a go-to option could earn her an All-Star nod, much like Kayla Thornton last season.
Bridget Carleton (Portland Fire): While Leite is a rising star, Carleton has been the veteran backbone for the Fire. Averaging career bests of 15.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.2 steals, she's another strong candidate from the overperforming Portland squad.
WNBA All-Star Voting 2026: Your Voice Matters
The WNBA All-Star Voting 2026 presented by Ally is a critical opportunity for fans to participate. Here’s how it works:
Voting Period: Voting is open from June 11 at 2 p.m. ET until June 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Platforms: Fans with a free WNBA ID can submit one ballot per day via WNBA.com/allstar/vote or the WNBA App.
2-for-1 Days: Maximize your impact on June 12, June 17, and June 24, when your votes count twice.
Sweepstakes: By voting, fans are automatically entered into a sweepstakes to win a 3-day/2-night trip for two to the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago, including tickets to the Kia WNBA Shooting Stars and State Farm WNBA 3-Point Contest. Review the Official Rules for full details.
How All-Stars Are Selected
The selection process for All-Star starters is a collaborative effort:
Fan Votes: Account for 50% of the total.
Player Votes: All current WNBA players contribute 25%.
Media Panel Votes: A select media panel also contributes 25%.
Players are ranked by position (guard and frontcourt) within each voting group, and a weighted average determines the four guards and six frontcourt players who will start. Fan voting serves as the tiebreaker. After the starters are announced, the league's head coaches select the 12 reserves, choosing three guards, five frontcourt players, and four players at either position, without voting for their own team's players.
Sources
FAQs
Q: When is the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game?
A: The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will be held on Saturday, July 25, at the United Center in Chicago, broadcast on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Q: How can I vote for the WNBA All-Stars?
A: You can vote daily from June 11 to June 27 via WNBA.com/allstar/vote or the WNBA App using your free WNBA ID. Look out for "2-for-1 Days" on June 12, June 17, and June 24.
Q: Who are some of the potential first-time All-Stars in 2026?
A: Key contenders include Jessica Shepard (Dallas Wings), Veronica Burton (Golden State Valkyries), Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx), Marina Mabrey (Toronto Tempo), Shakira Austin (Washington Mystics), Carla Leite (Portland Fire), and Bridget Carleton (Portland Fire), all having standout seasons.
Key Takeaways
Your Vote Matters: Engage with the WNBA by participating in All-Star voting. Your selections significantly contribute to who starts in the game.
Discover New Talent: Keep an eye on the emerging stars highlighted, as they are redefining their roles and making strong cases for national recognition.
Stay Informed: Follow league news and player statistics to make informed choices during the voting period.
Support the League: By participating, you help celebrate the athletic achievements of these incredible women and contribute to the growing excitement around the WNBA.
Discussion
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is shaping up to be an event celebrating both established greatness and exciting new talent. Which breakout player do you think is most deserving of a first-time All-Star nod? Do you believe fan votes accurately reflect the league's best performances? Let us know your thoughts!
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