Fan-Favorite Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier Named WNBA All-Star Game Captains!

Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier are set to lead the WNBA All-Star Game next month, and fans played a big role in making it happen. Clark received over 1.2 million votes, while Collier trailed closely behind.

“It’s great to see fans involved and have an impact on the game,” Clark said. “It’s exciting to host this in our city. I want to make it the best All-Star event ever.”

Clark, who plays for the Indiana Fever, is currently sidelined with a groin injury. Despite this, she’s averaging 18.2 points and a career-high 8.9 assists. Last year, during her rookie season, she was a fan favorite but the All-Star format was different, featuring the U.S. Olympic team against selected WNBA stars. Finding out about her captaincy in a call from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was a thrilling moment for her.

Collier is making waves this season, leading the league with an impressive 24.5 points per game. She’s also grabbing 8.4 rebounds on average. Her daughter surprised her with a sweet moment in the locker room, wearing a shirt that said, “Mama, you’re an All-Star.”

Collier reflected on her journey, saying, “I went from never being a starter to captain.” This will be her fifth All-Star appearance.

The All-Star Game will take place in Indianapolis on July 19. Before that, Clark’s team will face Collier’s in the Commissioner’s Cup final.

The selection process for the All-Star starters is quite unique. Players, media, and fans all contribute to the voting, with fans holding half the weight. The other half is split between players and media.

Once the starters are announced, Clark and Collier will draft their teams from that pool. It’s a fun way to promote teamwork and strategy.

Interestingly, this season’s fan voting showed a diverse interest. Clark and Collier led the way, but Indiana’s Aliyah Boston was not far behind, finishing third.

With women’s sports gaining more visibility and popularity, this year’s All-Star Game promises to celebrate both talent and fan engagement. Just last year, a report from the Women’s Sports Foundation revealed that viewership of women’s sports increased by 54%. Clearly, the momentum is building, and events like these are key in shaping the future of women’s athletics.

For more insights on women in sports, you can check out the Women’s Sports Foundation here: Women’s Sports Foundation.

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