The NBA is set to leverage the growing popularity of female basketball star Caitlin Clark by featuring the Indiana Fever player in its annual All-Star weekend.
This event’s format is back in the spotlight after a lopsided 2024 game, where the Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference 211-186 in Indianapolis.
This year saw the return of the “East vs. West” format, which dates back to the league’s first All-Star Game in 1951.
From 2018 to 2023, two team captains held a draft to choose their teams regardless of conference, with LeBron James leading his team to victory in five out of six contests as captain.
However, the 2025 edition is set to integrate the women’s game.
According to ESPN, the league is in advanced discussions to introduce a new tournament format to the All-Star event, along with reviving the NBA vs. WNBA three-point shootout.
The shootout, which featured Stephen Curry against Sabrina Ionescu last year, was a fan favorite and led to the biggest year-on-year viewership boost of any All-Star event.
Reports suggest that for the 2025 edition, held at the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, Clark will represent the WNBA, going head-to-head with Golden State legend Klay Thompson, who now plays for the Dallas Mavericks.
There are also proposals for four All-Star teams to compete in a quick-fire tournament, with the two semi-final winners facing off in a final, rather than the traditional single All-Star Game.
Clark’s inclusion is expected to generate significant buzz. The point guard has skyrocketed to superstardom in 2024, shattering multiple records in her rookie season.
Her impressive stats in assists and scoring earned her the Rookie of the Year title and a spot in the prestigious WNBA All-Star team.
The participation of the 22-year-old would also build momentum ahead of the NBA’s new television deal.
Starting in 2026, the All-Star game will switch networks from TNT to NBC.
Additionally, Clark is currently considering a lucrative offer from the new Unrivaled 3v3 league, which launches in January.
So far, the Iowa College graduate has remained tight-lipped about her plans, but league organizers have confirmed that a deal is on the table for the game’s newest sensation.
