Aces stars take center stage ahead of All-Star Weekend in Chicago

At a time when the WNBA faces considerable debate, the Las Vegas Aces are poised to have two of their own represent the franchise in the All-Star Game. Four-time MVP A’ja Wilson and guard Jackie Young have earned spots for the Saturday showcase at the United Center in Chicago. Young secured a reserve berth for her fifth straight All-Star appearance, while Wilson was named to her eighth All-Star Game and voted a starter for the seventh time. A notable twist this year sees the longtime teammates placed on opposite squads after being chosen by different captains during the All-Star Draft. Wilson was taken with the No. 1 overall pick by Teresa Weatherspoon for “Team Spoon,” and Young was selected by Hall of Famer Cynthia Cooper for “Team Coop.” The league continues to contend with inconsistent officiating, controversy surrounding Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, and online harassment aimed at players. Despite the altered format, Wilson expressed enthusiasm for Young’s chance to compete after another All-Star honor. She said: “Jackie and I were connected antithetic teams, I deliberation the past clip we were successful Chicago,” Wilson said. “I’m arrogant that she’s an All-Star this year.” “She deserves it. She worked her butt off. So we’re conscionable going to spell determination and person immoderate fun.” Another storyline involves Aces head coach Becky Hammon, who will prepare a game plan to face Wilson rather than coach her directly. Hammon earned her third All-Star Game coaching assignment after the Aces finished the July 10 schedule tied with Cheryl Reeve and the Minnesota Lynx for the league’s best record at 16-6. The tiebreaker favored Las Vegas due to its victory over Minnesota in their sole head‑to‑head meeting during the Commissioner’s Cup, awarding Hammon the top coaching slot. Consequently, Hammon leads the squad featuring the leading vote‑getter, Paige Bueckers (Team Coop), while Reeve oversees the team that includes Caitlin Clark (Team Spoon), who finished second in the fan balloting. Guard Chelsea Gray fell just short of a seventh All-Star selection and her first omission since 2024, having appeared in six of seven All-Star Games from 2017 through 2024. Her only miss came in 2022, when she averaged roughly 14 points per contest but was left off the roster. This represents only the second instance since the franchise relocated to Las Vegas that the Aces have tallied two or fewer All-Star honorees. From 2021 to 2024, the team recorded four selections each season. As the league moves toward a 20‑team format, this could become the new baseline. Alongside Wilson and Young, “Team Coop” will also showcase Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Mitchell and Angel Reese, whereas “Team Spoon” will include Clark, Olivia Miles, Courtney Williams and Aliyah Boston. **WNBA All-Star Game** Where: United Center, Chicago When: 5:30 p.m. TV: ABC Streaming: Disney+