WNBA All-Star Game Format Explained: How are things different in 2024?

The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game takes place on July 20 at the Footprint Center. It is the third time Phoenix is hosting the event, and this year is the 20th All-Star game. The event is sold out and takes on a bit of a different format.

For just the second time in WNBA history, the All-Star game will feature the league’s best taking on Team USA. It is the American’s first prep as they gear up for the Olympics in Paris. The WNBA All-Stars defeated Team USA in 2021. Before that, the league did not have an All-Star game in Olympic years.

Most recently, the WNBA has been using the captains format, but things are certainly different in 2024. Here is a look at the format and what to watch for during the must-see event.

Overview of the WNBA All-Star Game Format

The WNBA All-Star game started in 1999 and used the East versus West format for the first 14 editions. There was no contest in 2004, 2008, 2012, or 2016 because of the Olympics. The pandemic forced the game to be canceled in 2020, and the following year was the first WNBA All-Stars versus Teams USA version.

This format allows the Americans to get another tune-up game before the Olympics. Team USA only has two exhibition contests before beginning group play in Paris. They are heavily favored to win their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, but can Team USA get their first win over the WNBA’s All-Stars? It will be a fascinating event.

Team Selection Process

There are 12 players on each team for the WNBA All-Star Game, but facing Team USA forced the league to switch up the selection process.

First, they used voting from fans, current players, and media to select the top names. Fan voting counted for 50 percent with players and media at 25 percent each. They took the top ten players and automatically selected anyone not on Team USA. It resulted in Caitlyn Clark, Aliyah Boston, Dearica Hamby, and Arike Ogunbowale being named All-Stars.

The coaches then filled the eight remaining spots from a pool of the next 36 highest vote-getters. That put DeWanna Bonner, Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones, Jonquel Jones, Kayla McBride, Kelsey Mitchell, Nneka Ogwumike, and Angel Reese to the team.

Team USA was selected by the Women’s National Basketball Committee featuring Jen Rizzotti, Dawn Staley, Bethany Donaphin, Dan Padover, Seimone Augustus, and DeLisha Milton-Jones.

2024 WNBA All-Star Game rosters

WNBA All-Stars

Team USA

Special Game Features and Events

The WNBA All-Star team will wear different uniforms in each half to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the event. They will wear pink and orange jerseys in the first half before switching to black after the break.

There will be a 3-point contest and skills competition on July 19 to get the All-Star festivities started. Expect a massive crowd and plenty of excitement as supporters get prepared for the main event.

Notable Changes in Recent Years

The WNBA All-Star Game went away from its traditional format in 2018 after the success of the NBA using the captain’s format. They only used the captains for four All-Star Games with the WNBA All-Stars versus Team USA showdown in 2021 sandwiched in between.

It will be interesting to see if the WNBA returns to the East versus West format in 2025 or goes with something completely different. Expect more evolutions as the league’s popularity grows.

Fans cannot miss the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game. It promises to be a historic event and one that is crucial for the league. All eyes will be watching as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese face the best America has to offer, so do not miss it.