WNBA Stars Take the NBA All-Star Stage ✨

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What To Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. NBA All-Star Celebrity Game to feature WNBA Stars ⭐️

The NBA All-Star Weekend has arrived, and WNBA stars will once again be part of the celebration. Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray and Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton are set to compete in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday at 7 PM ET on ESPN.

• 🏀 Gray will play for Team Bonds, coached by baseball legend Barry Bonds

• 🏀 Thornton will suit up for Team Rice, led by NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice

Check out the full rosters here 👉 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Rosters

WHY IT MATTERS: This marks the second consecutive year that WNBA players are featured in major NBA All-Star Weekend events. After the massive success of last year’s Sabrina Ionescu vs. Steph Curry 3-Point Contest, the NBA is doubling down on WNBA-NBA cross-promotion.

2. Mid-Major Player of the Year Semifinalists Announced 📣

On Wednesday, Her Hoops Stats revealed their ten semifinalists for the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year award. This honor recognizes the top NCAA Division I player from a non-Power 4 conference, shining a spotlight on standout talent outside the sport’s biggest programs.

Among the finalists, Harvard guard Harmoni Turner has made history this season, setting a program single-game record with 41 points. Meanwhile, Gonzaga forward Yvonne Ejim this season became program’s all-time leading scorer.

See the full list of semifinalists here 👉 Her Hoops Stats Semifinalists

WHY IT MATTERS: Power 4 conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC) dominate the conversation, but mid-major programs continue to produce elite talent. This award—named after Becky Hammon, a former Colorado State star who went on to a legendary WNBA career and became head coach of the Las Vegas Aces—elevates these athletes and programs. While mid-majors may not have the biggest budgets, their talent is undeniable. Her Hoops Stats is ensuring they get the recognition they deserve.

3. Kelsey Plum’s First Sparks Press Conference 🎙️

Kelsey Plum met with the media for the first time as a Los Angeles Spark yesterday, addressing both her initial concerns and her growing excitement about joining the team. She admitted she had questions about LA’s commitment to building a high-quality player experience but shared that those concerns have been put to rest.

"Despite that initial hesitation, every step of the way, they have not just met but exceeded my expectations," Plum said, reinforcing her belief in the front office, coaching staff, and the team's championship potential.

Watch her full press conference here 👉 YouTube

WHY IT MATTERS: Plum brings championship DNA and veteran leadership to a young but promising Sparks squad. Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson had impressive rookie seasons, and having an elite point guard like Plum running the offense should elevate their game in the front court. She also reunites with her former Aces teammate and close friend Dearica Hamby.