WNBA names 2026 All-Star reserves; injury replacements still possible

The WNBA announced its 2026 All-Star reserves Tuesday, completing a 22-player roster for the July 25 game at Chicago's United Center. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert will choose replacements if any selected players cannot participate. Legends Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon will serve as honorary general managers and pick the teams.

Head coaches from the two clubs with the best records after July 10 games will lead the squads.

Roster selections and absences Toronto Tempo guard Brittney Sykes led the expansion team to a potential playoff spot before a noncontact plantar fascia injury sidelined her in mid-June. Voters passed over the guard despite her ranking fifth in the league at the time of the injury.

Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas leads the league in assists and ranks among the top defenders while shooting 51.5 percent from the field. The team's overall performance may have influenced the voting outcome. Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton, the reigning Most Improved Player and an All-WNBA second-team selection, helped her club reach third place with a five-game winning streak.

First-time selections and expectations Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard and Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey earned their first All-Star nods after taking on expanded roles with new teams. Mabrey has already posted two games with nine three-pointers and tied the league single-game scoring record with 53 points on June 25. The July 25 contest begins at 8:30 p.m. ET and will air on ABC.