It wasn’t even close.

Caitlin Clark didn’t just lead the 2025 WNBA All-Star voting — she rewrote the record books.

With nearly 1.3 million fan votes, she not only topped the league but received more votes than the entire Top 30 combined from two years ago. In 2023, A’ja Wilson led all players with under 100,000 votes. This year, Clark multiplied that by thirteen.

Right behind her? Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, who earned just over 1.17 million votes herself.

Together, Clark and Collier will serve as All-Star team captains when the league’s brightest meet on July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. It will be Clark’s second All-Star appearance — and her first as captain.

But this story goes beyond the numbers.

 

 

Clark Isn’t Just a Star — She’s a Surge

Two years ago, the WNBA’s All-Star process drew less attention than a typical regular season NBA game. Now? It’s a national event.

That change didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of Clark.

Since arriving in the league, she’s brought viewership, merchandise, and fan energy the league hasn’t seen before. People plan their weekends around her games. Entire segments of fans who never watched the WNBA now buy jerseys, stream games, and know the names of players they hadn’t heard of six months ago.

Clark has become something bigger than a stat sheet. She’s the center of a cultural shift.

 

 

She’s Not Just Popular — She’s Transformational

When Clark joined the Indiana Fever, expectations were already sky-high. She had shattered college records, drawn millions of new fans to NCAA women’s basketball, and proven herself on every possible stage.

But even her most devoted fans may not have imagined this level of influence. Clark isn’t just outperforming her peers — she’s outperforming the league’s past. The WNBA’s previous fan engagement record is now a footnote in the wake of the Clark phenomenon.

This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan celebrity moment. This is a shift in the way women’s sports are consumed, celebrated, and valued.

 

 

But What Fans Appreciate Most Isn’t Just Her Popularity

Here’s what makes this moment different:

Clark didn’t keep the spotlight to herself.

In interviews, she praises other players. In games, she shares the ball. In the voting process, she’s encouraged fans to celebrate the entire league — and they have.

Collier’s massive vote total is proof of that. So is the league’s record-breaking engagement across digital platforms.

Clark made the All-Star game feel like it mattered. And in doing so, she elevated everyone around her.

She doesn’t act like she’s bigger than the WNBA. She acts like she’s building it.

 

 

The Angel Reese Question — And Why It Matters

While Clark and Collier are confirmed starters and captains, the rest of the All-Star roster — including potential rookie selection Angel Reese — will be revealed on June 30.

And yes, it’s already a hot topic.

Clark and Reese’s paths have been intertwined since college, when their 2023 NCAA championship clash sparked debates that reached far beyond basketball. Since then, their rivalry has fueled fan discussions, media coverage, and engagement metrics unlike anything the league has seen.

Some wonder if the rookie rivalry and off-court drama will influence Clark’s picks once she starts drafting teams. Others simply want to see the best talent recognized.

But one thing is clear: Clark is driving the conversation — again.

 

 

The Caitlin Effect Is Bigger Than Numbers

She’s not leading the league in points (18.2 PPG), but she is tied for first in assists (8.9 APG). Her presence on the court changes defenses. Her absences shake viewership. Her jersey is still the best-selling item in women’s sports.

And most of all, her presence brings new fans — who stay to discover the rest of the W.

What people appreciate about Clark is not just her highlight plays — it’s how she brings gravity to the game.

She’s the player that young fans imitate on driveways. She’s the name casual viewers search on YouTube. She’s the moment that women’s basketball finally began to feel mainstream.

 

 

A League Still Learning How to Handle the Moment

But with great exposure comes growing pains.

Clark has faced unnecessary hostility from some players and segments of the media. From hard fouls to cold postgame handshakes, the spotlight hasn’t always been friendly.

The WNBA, in many ways, was caught off guard. Despite Clark’s obvious marketability and reach, the league had no unified strategy for how to incorporate such a rapid and massive influx of public attention.

Some players resented the imbalance. Others embraced it. But the league itself? It tried to ride the wave without steering it.

 

 

That’s Changing — Because Clark Is Still Here

Despite the bumps, Clark keeps showing up. She competes. She takes hits. She answers questions. She signs autographs. She gives credit where it’s due.

And she does it while growing the pie for everyone involved.

When she got nearly 1.3 million All-Star votes, it wasn’t just a statement about her popularity — it was proof that people now care deeply about women’s basketball.

 

 

Legacy in Progress

Caitlin Clark is only in her second year. She hasn’t won a title. She’s not in MVP talks every week. She’s had rough nights, tough losses, and an ongoing battle to elevate her team.

But that’s not what fans are rewarding with their votes.

They’re voting for the future. For what she represents. For how she makes them feel — inspired, included, and excited.

Clark’s greatness isn’t just in her stat lines. It’s in her influence.

 

 

What Comes Next

The July 19 All-Star Game will be more than a showcase of talent. It will be a litmus test for how far the league has come — and how far it still has to go.

If Clark is allowed to shine alongside stars like Collier, Wilson, Stewart, and perhaps Reese, it could be a unifying moment. A celebration of what happens when hype and substance collide.

But if it’s reduced to drama or controversy?

It will be a missed opportunity.

Clark has already done the hard part — she got the world to care.

Now it’s time for the league to meet the moment.

 

 

Final Freeze: The Votes Were Huge — But Her Impact Is Bigger

The record-setting numbers were a headline. But the reason they matter is what they represent:

Engaged fans. New eyes. And a league finally getting the spotlight it deserves.

All because one player walked in and made people care about everyone.

 

 

Disclaimer: This article is based on official WNBA voting reports, public fan data, and available media coverage as of June 29, 2025. Commentary reflects ongoing cultural observations surrounding the league and its top players.