As the WNBA celebrates its 30th anniversary season, coaches are tasked with selecting the 12 reserves for the 2026 All-Star Game in Chicago on July 25. ESPN's experts project strong candidates like Kiki Iriafen, Jonquel Jones, and Nneka Ogwumike to earn frontcourt selections. Iriafen is averaging career highs in points (15.5) and rebounds (9.3), while Jones is nearing a double-double and a 50-40-90 shooting season. Ogwumike continues her streak of All-Star nods, leading the Los Angeles Sparks in rebounds and providing crucial offense.

Guard selections are equally competitive, with Angel Reese leading the league in rebounds (11.8) and Alyssa Thomas pacing the league in assists (8.4). Both players are having standout seasons despite team struggles for Thomas's Phoenix Mercury. Other guards in contention include Sonia Citron, Allisha Gray, and Rhyne Howard, all of whom are posting career-best offensive numbers and making significant impacts for their respective teams. Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes are also strong candidates, with Mabrey enjoying a career year with the expansion Toronto Tempo and Sykes having a career offensive season before a plantar fascia injury.

Players like Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young, already projected starters, also remain in consideration despite injury concerns for Plum. Plum, out with a leg injury, still boasts career-best scoring and assist averages. Young, a consistent All-Star, continues to excel in scoring, assists, and defense for the Las Vegas Aces. The coaches' selections will finalize the roster, with commissioner Cathy Engelbert handling any necessary injury replacements from a list including players like Veronica Burton and Chelsea Gray.