The WNBA season takes place in the summer, which means when the Summer Olympics roll around, the league has to take a break as players head overseas to compete for their respective countries. Because of that stoppage, the league usually doesn't hold an All-Star break during Olympic years.
This year, however, they're making an exception. Later this week, 24 of the best players in the league will make their way to Las Vegas for the 2021 WNBA All-Star Game. Ahead of the festivities, here's everything you need to know, including how to watch and a look at the unique format.
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2021 WNBA All-Star Game
- Date: Wednesday, July 14 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino -- Las Vegas, Nevada
- TV: ESPN | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Format and rosters
For the early part of its history, the WNBA All-Star Game was played in the typical Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference format. But when the league revamped the playoff system to lessen the importance of conferences, that changed. Instead, they went with the captain's picks format, which the NBA has also used recently.
This time around, however, they're trying something completely new. In order to help build momentum for the USA Basketball women's national team ahead of the Olympics, the All-Star Game this year will be contested between Team USA and Team WNBA.
Team USA roster
| Player | Position | WNBA team |
|---|---|---|
Ariel Atkins | Guard | Washington Mystics |
Sue Bird | Guard | Seattle Storm |
Skylar Diggins-Smith | Guard | Phoenix Mercury |
Chelsea Gray | Guard | Las Vegas Aces |
Jewell Loyd | Guard | Seattle Storm |
Diana Taurasi | Guard | Phoenix Mercury |
Napheesa Collier | Forward | Minnesota Lynx |
Breanna Stewart | Forward | Seattle Storm |
A'ja Wilson | Forward | Las Vegas Aces |
Tina Charles | Center | Washington Mystics |
Sylvia Fowles | Center | Minnesota Lynx |
Brittney Griner | Center | Phoenix Mercury |
Team WNBA roster
| Player | Position | WNBA team |
|---|---|---|
Kahleah Copper | Guard | Chicago Sky |
Betnijah Laney | Guard | New York Liberty |
Arike Ogunbowale | Guard | Dallas Wings |
Courtney Vandersloot | Guard | Chicago Sky |
Courtney Williams | Guard | Atlanta Dream |
DeWanna Bonner | Forward | Connecticut Sun |
Dearica Hamby | Forward | Las Vegas Aces |
Candace Parker | Forward | Chicago Sky |
Satou Sabally | Forward | Dallas Wings |
Liz Cambage | Center | Las Vegas Aces |
Brionna Jones | Center | Connecticut Sun |
Jonquel Jones | Center | Connecticut Sun |
3-Point Contest
The league recently announced that the 3-Point Contest will also return this year, and will be held at halftime. Here are the participants:
- Jonquel Jones, Connecticut Sun
- Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm
- Allie Quigley, Chicago Sky
- Sami Whitcomb, Seattle Storm
It will be a two-round event, with the top two performers from the first round advancing to the championship round. All players will be shooting for a charity of their choice.
