Team Collier defeated Team Clark 151–131 in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
- MVP Napheesa Collier exploded with 36 points in just 19 minutes to power her team to victory
- Notable performances included Skylar Diggins’ first-ever All‑Star triple-double, and contributions from stars like Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers, Gabby Williams, and Angel Reese
- Despite Caitlin Clark’s absence on court, her name stayed in the spotlight as fans and media noted the continued rise in ratings and the league’s audience evolution
Why Caitlin Clark Was Missing
Clark, serving as co‑captain alongside Collier, was ruled out due to a lingering groin injury, also sidelining her from the Three‑Point Contest. She stayed engaged—supporting teammates sidelines, trolling Kelsey Plum, speaking at a wellness event, and continuing to advocate for players’ mental and physical health.
Three‑Point Contest & Skills Showcase
- Sabrina Ionescu (NY Liberty) reclaimed her crown in the Three‑Point Contest, dropping 30 points—including an 11-in-a-row streak in the final—surpassing Allie Quigley’s record-equaling mark.
- Natasha Cloud (NY Liberty) took home the Skills Challenge trophy, completing a New York sweep of Friday night’s contests.
- In a highlight of sportsmanship, Ionescu called NBA star Steph Curry, a nod to her battle with him in the 2024 NBA All‑Star contest, and celebrated with her trademark “night‑night” pose.
A Surprise Connection
While not romantically linked to Curry, the weekend rekindled the playful “Splash Sister–Splash Brother” narrative between him and Ionescu. The relationship’s charm comes from mutual respect and fan fascination. Ionescu’s post-win congratulatory call to Steph Curry and her signature celebratory pose showed a friendly bond that transcends league boundaries.
Growing Popularity & Its Ripple Effects
- This All‑Star weekend drew ~2.2 million TV viewers—second‑most in history—and saw Friday’s events reach 1.3 million viewers (an 89% year-over-year jump). While down from 2024’s peak (3.44 million), it remains far above pre-Clark numbers.
- WNBA’s skyrocketing visibility—bolstered by social media trends like the Twitch “Stud Budz” streams—drives impact far beyond the professional courts.
- In youth basketball, Caitlin Clark’s and Ionescu’s prominence, paired with the league’s increased media deals (estimated $2.2 billion), surging attendance, and merchandise growth, is fueling coaching, participation, and attention at the high school and AAU levels nationwide. Girls are seeing viable role models, mentorship opportunities, and even college and pro pathways previously less visible.
- Globally, this visibility is encouraging countries to invest in women’s weekends, help build international leagues, and boost grassroots participation—clearly, what’s happening stateside is rippling worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Despite Caitlin Clark’s injury, the 2025 WNBA All‑Star Weekend radiated energy: record-breaking performances from Collier, Ionescu, and Cloud; heartfelt moments; and meaningful protest around the CBA (#PayUsWhatYouOweUs). Social engagement, broadcast numbers, and cultural connections with stars like Curry and innovators like the Stud Budz show that the WNBA’s influence keeps growing—not just in the pros, but all the way down to elementary gym floors and international courts.
