Caitlin Clark Says It’s ‘Cool Honor’ to Be Named 2025 WNBA All-Star Game Team Captain
The meteoric rise of Caitlin Clark continues to rewrite the narrative of what’s possible for a second-year player in the Women’s National Basketball Association, as the Indiana Fever superstar was officially named one of two captains for the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game following an unprecedented fan voting campaign that saw her receive over 1.2 million votes from supporters worldwide.
Clark, who described the honor as “cool” and emphasized how “great that fans get to be a part of it and have a little impact on the game,” will lead Team Clark against Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier’s Team Collier in what promises to be one of the most highly anticipated All-Star matchups in recent WNBA history. The selection represents not just individual recognition for Clark’s exceptional performance this season, but also a testament to her incredible ability to captivate audiences and generate unprecedented levels of fan engagement across multiple demographics and geographic regions.
The announcement, which came through an official statement from the WNBA on June 29, 2025, confirmed that Clark, the reigning Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year and 2024 All-WNBA First Team selection, would serve as captain alongside Collier, who earned recognition as the 2024 Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and finished as the MVP runner-up. This pairing creates a fascinating dynamic between two players who represent different styles of excellence and leadership, with Clark’s offensive wizardry and court vision contrasting beautifully with Collier’s defensive prowess and two-way versatility.
The fan voting results were nothing short of spectacular, with Clark accumulating 1,293,526 votes while Collier secured approximately 1,176,020 votes, demonstrating the incredible popularity and respect both players have earned throughout their respective careers. These numbers represent not just individual achievement but also reflect the growing popularity of women’s basketball and the WNBA’s expanding global reach, particularly among younger demographics who have embraced Clark’s dynamic playing style and authentic personality both on and off the court.
What makes this honor particularly meaningful is the venue where the All-Star Game will take place, as the event will tip off at the Fever’s own Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, leading Clark to note that “It’s going to be really special to do it here in this city.” The opportunity to serve as an All-Star captain in her home arena adds an extra layer of significance to an already momentous occasion, potentially providing Clark with additional motivation and creating an electric atmosphere that could elevate the entire event to new heights.
Clark’s current season statistics continue to demonstrate why she deserves this recognition, as she’s averaging 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game while shooting 39 percent from the field and 29.3 percent from three-point range through her first nine games of the season. These numbers showcase her remarkable ability to impact the game in multiple ways, serving as both a prolific scorer and an exceptional facilitator who consistently makes her teammates better through her court vision and basketball intelligence.
The significance of Clark’s selection extends beyond individual accolades, as it reflects the broader transformation occurring within the WNBA landscape and the league’s commitment to recognizing players who not only excel on the court but also serve as ambassadors for the sport. Clark has already achieved several remarkable milestones this season, including becoming the fastest player to reach 350 assists in WNBA history, a feat she accomplished during the team’s opening victory against the Chicago Sky when she recorded a triple-double with 20 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds.
Despite her individual success, Clark remains focused on team objectives, though the Fever currently sits eighth in the WNBA standings with an 8-8 record, indicating there’s still work to be done in translating individual excellence into consistent team success. This positioning adds an interesting narrative element to her All-Star captaincy, as she’ll be leading a team of elite players while simultaneously working to elevate her own franchise’s performance throughout the remainder of the regular season.
The captain selection process represents a significant evolution in how the WNBA approaches its premier showcase event, with the new format giving captains more responsibility than just honorary titles, as they’ll be actively involved in team selection and strategic decisions that could impact the competitive dynamics of the game. This added responsibility demonstrates the league’s confidence in Clark’s leadership abilities and basketball acumen, traits that have been evident throughout her career from her college days at Iowa through her professional development with the Fever.
Clark’s enthusiasm for the opportunity was evident in her comments about the upcoming event, as she expressed confidence that “We’re trying to make it the best All-Star the WNBA has ever had, and I know we’ll definitely do that.” This statement reflects not only her personal commitment to excellence but also her understanding of the broader significance this event holds for the league, its players, and the countless fans who have supported women’s basketball throughout its continued growth and evolution.
The anticipation surrounding this year’s All-Star Game has been further heightened by the competitive dynamics between Clark and Collier, two players who represent the current and future faces of the WNBA. Their upcoming regular-season matchup, where the Fever will face Collier’s Lynx, adds an extra layer of intrigue, though Clark’s availability for that game remains uncertain due to a groin injury she’s currently managing.
As the basketball world prepares for what promises to be an unforgettable All-Star experience, Clark’s selection as captain represents more than just individual recognition—it symbolizes the continuing evolution of women’s basketball and the remarkable impact that authentic, talented players can have on growing the sport’s popularity and cultural significance across diverse audiences worldwide.
The remaining eight All-Star starters will be revealed during ESPN’s coverage of NBA free agency, creating additional excitement and anticipation as fans eagerly await the complete roster announcements that will shape the teams Clark and Collier will lead in this highly anticipated showcase of elite basketball talent.