In a season where hype has often overshadowed on-court results, the WNBA All-Star voting returns have delivered a reality check that’s hard to ignore. Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky forward who’s been dubbed “the face of the league” by media outlets and herself alike, failed to crack the top ten in fan voting for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever has not only led the polls but done so by a landslide, racking up over 515,000 votes and leaving Reese—and much of the media narrative—in her wake.

The Myth of Manufactured Stardom

For nearly three years, mainstream coverage has worked overtime to position Angel Reese as a transformative superstar. From Forbes calling her “the engine of WNBA growth” to countless interviews, podcasts, and endorsements, Reese’s brand has been everywhere. Billboards, social media, and TV spots have made her one of the most visible athletes in women’s basketball.

But when the votes came in, the disconnect was undeniable. Reese, who has often declared herself the reason fans are tuning in, finished 13th in fan voting, with just 173,000 votes—a far cry from the numbers posted by her peers. Despite her high-profile presence, the fans sent a clear message: hype alone doesn’t earn All-Star status.

Clark’s Meteoric Rise

While Reese was trending for her sound bites and social media presence, Caitlin Clark was letting her game do the talking. The Fever rookie didn’t just participate in the All-Star voting—she dominated it. Clark’s blend of deep shooting, clutch playmaking, and composure under pressure has made her a must-watch, and fans responded in kind. With over 515,000 votes, Clark has become the league’s breakout star, converting doubters into believers and turning arenas into her personal stage.

This isn’t a one-off fluke. Clark’s rise is built on substance: she’s breaking attendance records, filling seats, and lighting up scoreboards. Her popularity is rooted in performance, not just personality.

Why Didn’t the Hype Translate?

So why did Reese, with all her media momentum, fall so far short in the vote? For starters, her on-court performance hasn’t matched the off-court buzz. Reese is a rebounding force, leading the league in boards, but her shooting has been a major concern—just 30.9% from the field, one of the lowest among qualified players. As a post player, where efficiency is key, those numbers are hard to overlook.

Fans want more than hustle and headlines. They want complete players—athletes who can score, defend, and make plays when it counts. Players like Aaliyah Boston and Napheesa Collier, both of whom pulled in nearly half a million votes, have shown the kind of versatility and impact that fans reward. Even rising stars like Kiki Iriafen, who’s been putting up double-doubles with strong efficiency, ranked ahead of Reese.

The All-Star Voting Process

The WNBA All-Star voting is weighted to give fans the biggest voice—50% of the vote comes from fans, with players and media each accounting for 25%. This year, the fans spoke loudly. Despite months of coverage positioning Reese as the league’s new face, the voting results told a different story. Clark, Boston, Collier, and others who consistently deliver on the court soared to the top, while Reese barely made it into the conversation.

A Reality Check for the League

The results are more than just a popularity contest—they’re a referendum on what fans truly value. The days of manufacturing superstars through marketing alone are over. In a league striving to grow its audience, fans are demanding substance over spectacle. They want players who bring it every night, not just in commercials or on social media.

Reese’s story isn’t over. She remains one of the most visible and marketable players in the league, and her rebounding prowess is undeniable. But to truly become the face of the WNBA, she’ll need to expand her game and deliver when it matters most. The All-Star process has become a spotlight for what fans want: results, versatility, and impact.

Lessons for the Future

The 2025 All-Star voting has reshuffled the way we look at WNBA stardom. It’s a reminder that fans can’t be told who to cheer for—they decide for themselves, based on what happens on the court. Media narratives and endorsements may spark interest, but sustained fan support is earned through performance.

For the WNBA, the message is clear: building stars isn’t about billboards or viral moments—it’s about consistent excellence. Caitlin Clark has set the new standard, redefining the league with every pass and three-pointer. Angel Reese, for all her charisma and visibility, now faces the challenge of turning hype into substance.

The Verdict

As the league moves forward, the All-Star vote stands as a testament to the power of the fans. They’re watching, they’re judging, and they’re making their voices heard. For players who want to be more than just a headline, the path is clear: deliver on the court, and the fans will follow.

If you’re a Fever fan—or just a fan of great basketball—keep voting, keep watching, and keep demanding the best. The future of the WNBA belongs to those who earn it, one game at a time.