The WNBA All-Star game is off and in full swing as Team Clark faces off against Team Collier. Beyond the entertainment, the event has served as a platform, addressing some of the issues plaguing the athletes.
Caitlin Clark joined the All-Stars, using the event as a platform and donning warm-up gear to make a powerful statement: “Pay us what you owe us.”
WNBA players wear “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts during the All-Star game warmups. 👀
(via @AliyahFun)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 20, 2025
The wage gap between the NBA and the WNBA has been a topic of discussion around the league for a long time. While several different points have been presented from both sides, the WNBA All-Stars are doing their best to make sure their grievances are heard.
While Clark was expected to headline the event, the Indiana Fever guard will be sidelined with a groin injury, which will see her serve as a captain and coach instead.
As the leader from the sidelines, the 2x All-Star is expected to play a major role for her team. With this in mind, before the game, Clark was asked what her objectives for the game would be. She hilariously responded by saying:
“I think I’ve got to heckle the refs a little bit. I don’t know who’s reffing yet, but that will determine how much I will heckle them…Maybe I can get a technical or something. Honestly, just have a good time.”
In light of her recent run-ins with officials, Clark seems to be cracking jokes in reference to this, adding that a potential ejection would not be out of the realm of possibility for her. But she also stated that having fun with her team remains the priority.
The Fever guard has been one of the driving forces, if not the primary one, for the WNBA’s recent surge in popularity. With her exciting style of play drawing the interest of basketball fans globally, the two-time All-Star ensured a greater audience for the All-Star Games this year.
Clark led all vote-gatherers with a total of 1,293,526 votes over Napheesa Collier’s 1,176,020. With the two stars emerging as team captains for the event, the All-Star game is bound to be an exciting one.
The All-Star Game matchup between Team Clark and Team Collier is expected to be an exciting one. Team Clark’s starting lineup will feature Kelsey Mitchell (replacing Clark), Jackie Young (replacing Satou Sabally), and Sabrina Ionescu in the backcourt. Meanwhile, their starting frontcourt features Aliyah Boston and A’ja Wilson.
Team Collier has gone big with rookie Paige Bueckers and Allisha Gray in the backcourt, while Napheesa Collier, Nneka Ogwumike, and Breanna Stewart fill out the frontcourt.
Adding to the excitement, the game will also feature new rules. With two four-point circles in each half, live hockey subs, and a 20-second shot clock, the game is poised to be an exciting event for those in attendance.
