:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64782933/1163433237.jpg.0.jpg)
This year’s WNBA All-Star Weekend promises to be a one-of-a-kind show.
Out are the iconic faces of multi-time All-Stars like Sue Bird, Angel McCoughtry, Maya Moore and Diana Taurasi, with Breanna Stewart, a superstar still in her prime, also out of All-Star. In, however, are the talents who’ve ascended in their absence, including Natasha Howard, Odyssey Sims and Erica Wheeler, who are making All-Star debuts after several seasons in the league.
In what must be a first, two pairs of wives will play in this year’s All-Star Game. Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley (Chicago Sky) could play against each other for once, with Vandersloot having to guard Allie’s sharpshooting prowess and Quigley having to defend Courtney’s dime-dishing mastery. DeWanna Bonner (Phoenix Mercury) and Candice Dupree (Indiana Fever) won a championship together with the Mercury in 2014. They’ve been forced to play against each other since Dupree was traded to Indiana a few years ago. Is it possible that they once again will get a chance to play for the same team?
If for no other reason than to allow their “lovebugs” to cheer for the same team, captains Elena Delle Donne and A’ja Wilson should collaborate to put Bonner and Dupree on the same team.
In a not-so-pleasant storyline, two of the three first-time All-Stars are mired in scandals. The WNBA is investigating domestic violence allegations against Natasha Howard and Odyssey Sims will return to court in September as the next step in resolving her DWI charge from June. Non-All-Star Riquna Williams (Los Angeles Sparks) was suspended 10 games following a domestic violence arrest and subsequent league investigation. Could the same fate befall Sims and/or Howard before the All-Star Game tips off on Saturday?
Before the spotlight shines on Team EDD and Team A’ja at Mandalay Bay Events Center this weekend, here’s what you need to know to get ready for the game.
When is the 2019 WNBA All-Star Game?
When: Saturday, July 27, at 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, NV | TICKETS
How to watch: ABC
Who are this year’s All-Stars?
Meet the starters
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/18327112/ASG_Starters.jpg)
Meet the reserves
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/18327121/ASG_Reserves.jpg)
Where can I get dope All-Star swag?
To kick off All-Star Week right, BreakingT* dropped a 2019 WNBA All-Star collection of tees that allows fans to “wear the moment” in the swankiest of style. These are WNBPA-approved and a portion of the proceeds goes to the players.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/18327135/wnba_all_star_2019.jpg)
The collection includes seven shirts that won’t last long.
Which is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.
Swish Appeal has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Swish Appeal and SB Nation may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our guiding principles.