INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 16: A logo of the 25th anniversary of the WNBA is displayed on the court between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on May 16, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana.Photo: Justin Casterline/Getty Images
This year, the Women's National Basketball Association celebrates its 25th anniversary. Along the way, the WNBA will broadcast some of its games in new ways like Facebook, Amazon and Twitter. Also, the league is planning to debut its inaugural Commissioner's Cup. Now, the league is adding yet another special aspect to its 25th season.
The 2021 WNBA All-Star Game is set to take place on July 14 at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, this year's game will be a bit different than it has been in years past. Instead of stars from each conference competing against each other, Team USA will battle WNBA stars from around the world.
The United States Women's National Basketball Team roster has already been set. Brittney Griner, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Elena Delle Donne and several other stars will represent America at the 2021 Summer Olympic Games. In contrast, the WNBA roster will be put together in the coming weeks. Fans, current WNBA players and national media members will vote for the players they'd like to see participate in the exhibition. From there, current WNBA coaches will select the top 12 players from a group of the top 36 vote-getters. In the event that a member of Team USA cannot participate, USA Basketball will select a replacement. Similarly, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will select a replacement if a member of the WNBA's team cannot participate.
In addition to their July 14 showcase, members of the United States Women's National Basketball Team will also play two friendly international games. First, Griner, Smith and company will play Australia on July 16. Two days later, the U.S. will play Nigeria in Las Vegas.
The 2021 WNBA All-Star Game will take center stage on ESPN at 7 p.m. on July 14.
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