Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese said the omission of all Dream players from the WNBA All-Star Game starter list is a "slap in the face."
The controversy highlights a growing tension between on-court performance and the popularity-driven nature of All-Star voting. Because fan engagement heavily influences these selections, players on winning teams may still be excluded if they lack a broad voting base.
Reese said that neither she nor teammates Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray were named among the 10 starters [1]. She said the snub is disrespectful to the players, and the fans who support the team [2].
This reaction follows a strong stretch for the Atlanta Dream, who held a 12-8 record at the time of the voting [3]. Reese said the team's position near the top of the Eastern Conference standings should have earned them starter spots [4].
Under the current selection process, fan votes account for 50% of the total voting weight [3]. This system means that individual statistical dominance can be overshadowed by a player's public profile or social media reach.
Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko also reacted to the news. Smesko said it is disappointing to see the team left off the starter list [5].
Reese said she expected to be disrespected in the eyes of the league's voting processes [6]. The forward continues to push for recognition that aligns with the team's success in the Eastern Conference.
“"It’s a slap in the face that no Dream player was named a starter."”
This situation underscores the divide between meritocratic achievement and the 'popularity contest' element of the WNBA All-Star Game. With fan voting holding a 50% weight, the league risks alienating high-performing players from teams with smaller or less active fanbases, potentially creating a disconnect between the league's most impactful players and its most celebrated stars.
