From Rookie Sensation to All-Star Captain: Caitlin Clark Joins Napheesa Collier in Making Bold and Strategic Picks in a Star-Studded 2025 WNBA All-Star Draft That Blurs Generations and Ignites Fan Buzz Across the League

The WNBA All-Star Game is always a celebration of excellence, empowerment, and electrifying competition. But this year, the stakes felt higher, the energy louder, and the spotlight brighter as the league unveiled its 2025 All-Star Draft, led by two headline-making captains: Napheesa Collier, the established two-way star of the Minnesota Lynx, and Caitlin Clark, the dynamic rookie from the Indiana Fever whose meteoric rise has already made her one of the most recognizable names in basketball.

On July 13, 2025, in a special primetime segment on WNBA Countdown, the All-Star Draft captivated fans across the country. As Collier and Clark made their selections—live, unapologetically, and strategically—they didn’t just build rosters. They told a story. A story of legacy vs. emergence, poise vs. fire, and the future meeting the present in the most compelling way possible.

This year’s All-Star Draft wasn’t just about picking names—it was a reflection of the shifting tides of the WNBA, and a moment that cemented Caitlin Clark’s arrival not just as a talented rookie, but as a new face of the league.

Let’s dive deep into how the night unfolded, the logic behind the selections, the reactions from fans and players, and what it all means for the All-Star Game—and the WNBA as a whole.

THE BACKDROP: NEW FORMAT, NEW ENERGY

In an exciting twist, the WNBA adopted a revised All-Star Game format for 2025. Rather than a traditional East vs. West structure, the league continued its captain-based draft system, allowing the top two vote-getters to select their teams playground-style, live on television.

What made this year’s draft particularly thrilling was the contrast between the captains:

Napheesa Collier, a five-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist, is known for her quiet intensity, defensive tenacity, and leadership in Minnesota. Her journey from rising star to league anchor has made her a respected veteran at just 28.
Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, exploded onto the pro scene after a record-breaking college career. Her deep shooting range, vision, and swagger have turned Fever games into must-watch events. Despite being a rookie, she led All-Star voting by a landslide, becoming the youngest All-Star captain in league history.

The stage was set for fireworks.

THE DRAFT: PICK BY PICK BREAKDOWN AND STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

First Pick: A’ja Wilson (Team Clark)

With the first overall selection, Caitlin Clark stunned no one by selecting A’ja Wilson, the reigning MVP and two-time WNBA champion from the Las Vegas Aces. Wilson is a force on both ends of the floor, and pairing her with Clark signaled the rookie’s desire to balance flash with fundamentals.

“A’ja is that player who changes the game on both ends,” Clark said. “She’s a leader, she’s clutch, and she’s just cool. That’s my number one right there.”

This pick was as much about setting the tone as it was about winning.

Second Pick: Breanna Stewart (Team Collier)

Collier responded quickly, selecting Breanna Stewart, another former MVP and one of the league’s most versatile players. Stewart’s high basketball IQ and championship pedigree made her a perfect complement to Collier’s team-first mentality.

“Stewie brings everything—length, defense, scoring, experience,” said Collier. “We’ve played together before. She makes everyone better.”

Third Pick: Sabrina Ionescu (Team Clark)

Clark’s second pick was her former college rival turned pro peer—Sabrina Ionescu. The chemistry was evident in interviews prior to the draft, and it’s clear Clark envisions a two-headed backcourt monster that could rain threes all game.

“Two shooters. Two playmakers. Double trouble,” Clark joked.

Fans immediately reacted online with excitement—many dubbing them the “Splash Sisters of the WNBA.”

Fourth Pick: Chelsea Gray (Team Collier)

Collier answered with experience again, drafting Chelsea Gray, the “Point Gawd” of the Aces. With Gray running the offense and Stewart anchoring the frontcourt, Collier was clearly building a team around rhythm, pace, and poise.

“I’ve played against Chelsea too many times. Now I want to be on her team for once,” Collier said with a smile.

Fifth Pick: Aliyah Boston (Team Clark)

Clark then made what many called her most emotionally resonant pick of the night—her Indiana teammate and 2023 Rookie of the Year, Aliyah Boston.

“Aliyah’s my sister on and off the court,” Clark said. “We’ve got unfinished business together—and I want to share this stage with her.”

The Fever duo will now represent their franchise on the league’s biggest midseason platform—together.

Sixth Pick: Arike Ogunbowale (Team Collier)

To inject scoring firepower into her lineup, Collier turned to Arike Ogunbowale, one of the most lethal shot-makers in the league. Arike brings a killer instinct and can create her own shot from anywhere.

“We need that energy—Arike is a bucket,” said Collier.

THE COMPLETE ROSTERS (Top 10 Picks Recap)

Team Clark (Coach: Becky Hammon)

Caitlin Clark (Captain)
A’ja Wilson
Sabrina Ionescu
Aliyah Boston
Kahleah Copper
Jewell Loyd
Ezi Magbegor
Allisha Gray
Rhyne Howard
Nneka Ogwumike

Team Collier (Coach: Cheryl Reeve)

Napheesa Collier (Captain)
Breanna Stewart
Chelsea Gray
Arike Ogunbowale
Jonquel Jones
Kelsey Plum
Alyssa Thomas
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
Natasha Cloud
Shakira Austin

The balance was noticeable. Team Clark leaned toward youth, speed, and perimeter firepower, while Team Collier emphasized size, experience, and defensive versatility.

REACTIONS FROM PLAYERS AND FANS: FRIENDLY BANTER AND COMPETITIVE SPARKS

Social media erupted during and after the draft. Players live-tweeted reactions, many joking about being picked “too late” or dodging former teammates. Arike Ogunbowale posted:

“I see what Phee is doing 😏 let’s goooooo.”

Meanwhile, Ionescu shared a post saying:

“Me + CC + A’ja = 🔥 Buckle up.”

WNBA legends like Sue Bird and Lisa Leslie praised both captains for their basketball IQ and poise under pressure, noting how far the league has come to have such a dynamic All-Star stage.

Clark’s popularity translated directly into engagement numbers. Within one hour, the #WNBAAllStarDraft hashtag topped trending charts on X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube views for the segment exceeded 1.2 million.

CULTURAL MOMENT: WHY THIS DRAFT MATTERED MORE THAN MOST

This All-Star Draft was about more than rosters. It was a snapshot of a league in transition:

Veterans passing the torch, not begrudgingly but proudly.
Young stars not just performing—but leading.
A growing fan base that’s younger, more diverse, and more global.

Caitlin Clark being trusted as a captain in her rookie year isn’t just symbolic—it’s revolutionary. It signals that the WNBA is ready to let its most exciting voices drive the league forward.

And Napheesa Collier, who has quietly grown into one of the league’s most effective ambassadors, proved that there’s room for both legacy and innovation in how the WNBA builds its stars.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE ALL-STAR GAME

The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game will take place on July 20, 2025, in Las Vegas—and if the draft is any indication, it’s going to be a track meet, a three-point barrage, and a chess match rolled into one.

Fans should expect:

Record scoring.
Highlight-reel passes between Clark and Ionescu.
Post dominance from Wilson and Boston.
Defensive clamps from Thomas and Laney-Hamilton.
And maybe… one or two logo threes from Caitlin Clark.

It’s shaping up to be one of the most watched and celebrated All-Star Games in league history—and the draft itself has set the perfect stage.

FINAL THOUGHTS: PASSING THE BALL FORWARD

As the lights dimmed and the rosters were locked in, one thing became clear: the WNBA is entering a new era—and it’s doing so with confidence, clarity, and charisma.

Caitlin Clark has already made history. Napheesa Collier continues to lead with class and impact. Together, they didn’t just select teams—they curated a narrative that showcases everything right about women’s basketball today.

The countdown to the All-Star Game begins, and fans everywhere know one thing: this one is going to be unforgettable.