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WNBA - English
WNBA All-Star Game - English
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, scheduled for July 19 in Indianapolis, has sparked significant debate following the announcement of the starting lineups, with no place reserved for Alyssa Thomas.
While fan favorites like Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier secured their spots, one glaring omission has left many fans and analysts questioning the selection process: Phoenix Mercury forward Thomas.
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Thomas is having a career-defining season in 2025. At 33 years old, she is averaging 14.8 points, 9.3 assists (leading the league), and 7.3 rebounds per game. Her efficiency is also at an all-time high, boasting a 53.8 percent shooting percentage.
Despite missing five games due to injury, the Mercury have a 10-2 record when she plays, underscoring her pivotal role in the team’s success.
Beyond her offensive contributions, Thomas continues to be a defensive stalwart, earning three All-Defensive selections in her career. Her all-around performance has placed her in the MVP conversation, yet she was not named a starter for the All-Star Game.
How the voting went down
The All-Star starters are determined by a combination of fan (50 percent), media (25 percent), and player (25 percent) votes. Thomas finished 10th among frontcourt players in the fan vote, which significantly impacted her overall standing.
In the player and media votes, she ranked sixth and seventh, respectively. However, the fan vote’s weight proved decisive, leaving Thomas off the starting roster.
This outcome has led to widespread criticism, with many pointing out that Thomas’s exclusion does not reflect her on-court performance and leadership.
The debate over Thomas’s snub highlights ongoing concerns about the All-Star voting system’s fairness and transparency.
While fan engagement is crucial, relying heavily on fan votes can sometimes overshadow the contributions of players who may not have the same level of public recognition but are equally deserving.
How can it be improved?
As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, it’s essential to ensure that the All-Star selection process accurately represents the league’s talent and rewards players for their performance rather than their marketability.
Alyssa Thomas’s exclusion from the 2025 WNBA All-Star starter lineup is a disservice to her exceptional season and the Phoenix Mercury’s success.
As the league evolves, it’s imperative to refine the voting process to ensure that all deserving players receive the recognition they have earned.
Fans and analysts alike hope that Thomas’s omission will prompt a reevaluation of how All-Star selections are made, ensuring fairness and meritocracy in future seasons.
This news was originally published on this post .