Angel Reese Left Off the WNBA All-Star Roster: A Snub That’s Shaking the League

In what can only be described as a shocking omission, Angel Reese, one of the most exciting young talents in the WNBA, has been left off the official All-Star Game roster—and the aftermath is stirring intense controversy throughout the league and its fanbase.

Just over a year ago, Reese was hailed as college basketball’s biggest star. She entered the WNBA with major endorsements, an explosive presence on social media, and a reputation as one of the best players to ever take the court. Yet, despite top-tier stats, significant media attention, and the league’s marketability of her persona, Reese found herself excluded from the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, with Caitlin Clark—her fierce competitor—taking the coveted spot instead.

This omission has sent shockwaves through the WNBA, prompting debates not only about performance but also about brand loyalty, player dynamics, and the politics of selection. Fans, analysts, and even Reese herself are questioning whether her vocal attitude and confidence have led to her being unfairly overlooked. The decision has sparked fierce conversations that are dividing the league and its followers.

The Shocking Announcement: Clark Makes It, Reese Doesn’t

The WNBA released its official All-Star Game roster this week, and it was met with immediate backlash. The All-Star lineup included big names such as A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Caitlin Clark—but the glaring omission was Angel Reese, who had been expected to make the cut.

Reese, who currently ranks among the top five rookies in rebounding, has been a defensive powerhouse for the Chicago Sky. She’s also one of the most marketable players in the league, with a strong following both on social media and with fans in the stands. Despite her impressive statistics and impact on the court, Reese was left out of the game, causing an uproar both among fans and analysts. According to sources close to Reese, she was stunned by the decision.

Reese’s Response: Hurt and Defiance

Not one to shy away from controversy, Reese quickly took to social media to express her frustration. In a now-deleted tweet, she wrote: “I know what this is. Don’t worry. I’m watching too.” Reese followed up with an Instagram story showing her working out, accompanied by the caption: “All-Star or not, I’m still that one.“

Her message was clear: anger, hurt, and quiet defiance. Reese knows she has the ability to perform at the highest level, and she’s not going to let a snub deter her from proving it. In a subsequent interview, she reiterated: “I can’t control votes. I can only control my effort. And that speaks louder than politics.”

The Caitlin Clark Factor: Is It a Fair Comparison?

While the focus has largely been on Reese, it’s impossible to ignore the shadow of Caitlin Clark, who has become one of the most dominant players in the league and is widely recognized for her explosive scoring and game-changing assists. Clark, who has already become the face of the WNBA and has brought in record-breaking viewership for games, was an obvious choice for the All-Star Game.

But for many fans, the comparison between Clark and Reese is unfairly tilted. Clark’s popularity and impact cannot be denied, but there’s growing frustration from Reese’s camp and her supporters, who argue that Reese has been unjustly penalized for her outspoken personality and her confidence.

Many fans feel that Reese is being punished for being bold, while Clark’s immense popularity has led to her receiving the recognition, even though Reese’s on-court performance might be just as deserving of the All-Star nod. “Reese gets the marketing push, but Clark delivers the results,” one commentator said, pointing out that fans can tell when superstars are manufactured versus when they are naturally earned.

Fan Reactions: Shock, Support, and Division

The public’s reaction to the All-Star roster has been nothing short of a firestorm. Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), have been flooded with passionate reactions, with fans expressing both support and criticism.

One user posted, “Say what you want about her attitude—Angel Reese deserved that spot.” Another chimed in, saying, “The league is playing favorites. She’s not ‘safe’ enough for their brand.” Meanwhile, others sided with Clark, writing, “She’s no Caitlin Clark. Period.”

But perhaps the most striking comments came from Reese’s teammates and close allies within the Chicago Sky. While the team has not issued an official statement, several players took to social media with subtle signs of support. One posted a fire emoji and the hashtag “#shouldabeenAllStar,” while another simply wrote, “They know. We know.” This cryptic support suggests that there’s more going on behind the scenes than what fans are seeing on the surface.

The League’s Response: Defending the Selection Process

In the aftermath of the controversy, the WNBA issued a statement defending its All-Star selection process, which combines fan votes, coaches’ input, and performance metrics. The league stood by its decision, emphasizing that it was a fair and integrated process that didn’t reflect any personal biases or agendas.

The league’s official statement read, “The All-Star Game is a combination of fan votes, coach input, and performance metrics. We stand by the integrity of the selection.”

However, critics are not convinced. Many believe that the league’s prioritization of popularity and image over actual performance and hard work has led to an uneven and politically driven selection process. Jemele Hill, a prominent journalist, criticized the WNBA for overlooking Reese’s impressive stats and her unapologetic approach to her role. Hill pointed out, “You can’t push ‘Black culture meets basketball’ one day, and then freeze out the players actually living it the next.”

Is the WNBA Headed for Change?

The Angel Reese controversy has brought to light larger issues within the WNBA’s approach to player selection and its commitment to both fairness and cultural representation. As the league tries to strike a balance between attracting mainstream audiences and respecting its athletes, the debate over Reese’s exclusion will likely continue to simmer.

This moment could serve as a turning point for the WNBA, forcing the league to take a hard look at its selection process and how it handles star players. If the league hopes to grow and thrive, it will need to be transparent and accountable when it comes to how it recognizes and supports its athletes, both on and off the court.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Angel Reese?

As the debate over her exclusion from the All-Star Game continues, one thing is clear: Angel Reese is a force to be reckoned with. Whether she gets the recognition she deserves or not, her resilience and dedication to her game will speak louder than any snub. Reese’s journey is far from over, and she will undoubtedly continue to challenge the WNBA to evolve while keeping her sights set on becoming the star player she was always meant to be.

The future of the WNBA—and its stars like Reese—rests on how the league handles player fairness, officiating, and the balance between commercialization and authentic talent. Fans are watching closely, and the pressure is on for the league to get it right.