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Good morning! âď¸
Hope you all had a great 4th of July weekend! We have lots to catch up on after our long weekend away, and we're excited to get back into it.
What to Know About Womenâs Basketball Today
1. The 2026 All-Star Starters Are Set âď¸
The WNBA announced this year's 10 All-Star starters, selected by a combination of fan voting (50%), current players (25%), and the media (25%). Paige Bueckers, A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Natasha Howard, Jessica Shepard, Gabby Williams, Olivia Miles, and Kelsey Mitchell earned starting spots. (WNBA)
WHY IT MATTERS: Being voted an All-Star starter is one of the league's biggest honors. There is, of course, some popularity involved, especially with fans making up half of the vote. But All-Star Weekend is ultimately for the fans, and earning a starting spot means you've been recognized by fans, fellow players, and the media as one of the league's top players this season. Olivia Miles is also the only rookie to earn a starting spot.
đłď¸ Should fans get 50% of the All-Star vote?
2. Kayla Thornton Is Headed to Unrivaled â¨
Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton has signed with Unrivaled 3-on-3 for the league's 2027 season. Thornton's club will be announced later, and she joins a growing list of players committed for next year. (USA Today)
WHY IT MATTERS: Thornton's journey is a great reminder of what can happen when you're ready for your opportunity. She went undrafted and spent more than a decade in the WNBA before breaking out with the Valkyries last season, averaging career highs of 14 points and 7 rebounds while earning her first All-Star nod. Now she'll have another chance to grow her game in Unrivaled, where she'll join players like Olivia Miles, Gabby Williams, Flau'jae Johnson, Bridget Carleton, and Marine Johannès next season.
3. Juneâs Best Receive League Honors đ
The WNBA announced its June award winners, with Caitlin Clark and A'ja Wilson earning Player of the Month honors. Olivia Miles was named Rookie of the Month for the second straight month, while Cheryl Reeve earned Coach of the Month after leading Minnesota to a 9-2 record in June. (Across The Timeline)
WHY IT MATTERS: These monthly awards recognize the players and coaches who had the strongest month across the league. Wilson collected her 15th career Player of the Month award, extending her own league record. Clark earned the second Player of the Month honor of her career, while Miles has now won Rookie of the Month in each of her first two months as a pro.
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OVERTIME âąď¸
The Next 12: All-Star reserves will be announced tonight at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN. The leagueâs head coaches selected this yearâs reserve group.
The OGs: ESPNâs original WNBA broadcast team reunites for one night only tonight. Robin Roberts and Geno Auriemma will call the Wings vs. Liberty game at 8:00 PM ET.
Money Martin: Kate Martin signed a standard contract with the Los Angeles Sparks after beginning the season on a developmental deal. The Sparks waived TaâNiya Latson to make room.
đłď¸ Poll Results from Thursday: We asked whether anyone can catch the Minnesota Lynx in the standings, especially with Napheesa Collier expected back soon. It was a close vote, but 54% of you think the first-place Lynx are still vulnerable and can be caught.
