The 2026 WNBA All-Star starters got announced, and within minutes the internet had a new argument on its hands. Not because of who made it, but because of who didn’t. The Atlanta Dream, sitting tied for first place in the Eastern Conference, got completely shut out of the starting lineup. Zero starters. That includes Angel Reese, who did not hold back when asked about it. She called the results “disrespectful” toward the Dream, and honestly, she’s got a point.
Reese is averaging 14.8 points and leads the league with 11.6 rebounds per game. She’s one of the few players in the WNBA averaging a double-double this season, and her physical play has turned Atlanta’s frontcourt into something opponents dread facing. She was far from alone in getting passed over. Teammates Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard also got left out, and that’s where the conversation gets loud.
Gray and Howard had strong cases too
Allisha Gray is coming off an All-WNBA First Team season in 2025, and she hasn’t slowed down. She’s been one of Atlanta’s primary offensive threats while also locking down opposing guards on defense. The Dream’s success — they’ve been near the top of the standings all season — should have helped her case, but she finished just outside the top four guards in fan voting. Rhyne Howard, the former Rookie of the Year, is having another strong two-way campaign. She’s among the league leaders in steals, draws the toughest defensive assignments every night, and can score from all three levels. In a normal year, both of them are starters. 2026 is not a normal year.
The depth across the league made this starting lineup selection the most competitive in recent memory. But that competition hit Atlanta harder than any other team.
Marina Mabrey and Alyssa Thomas got squeezed out
Marina Mabrey doesn’t get the same national shine as some of the bigger names, but her play in Toronto deserved a longer look. She’s been a primary creator on offense, hitting tough shots and running the show in late-game situations. A recent injury probably cost her some votes, but in almost any other season she’d be starting. Alyssa Thomas is still doing Alyssa Thomas things — filling up the stat sheet, guarding multiple positions, pushing the ball in transition. Her problem was the same as everyone else’s on this list: too many great players, not enough starting spots. The Mercury’s slow start probably didn’t help her visibility either.
Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum were hurt by team struggles
Kahleah Copper is still one of the most explosive scorers in the league. She attacks the rim, hits from mid-range, and creates chaos in transition. But Phoenix started the season badly, and that kind of thing matters when votes are being cast. Kelsey Plum is in a similar boat with the Sparks. She’s still one of the most dangerous guards in the WNBA, capable of getting a bucket from anywhere. But she missed time with an injury, and the guard field was absolutely loaded — Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Olivia Miles, Kelsey Mitchell. Tough group to crack.
Sonia Citron is already earning respect from her peers
Sonia Citron finished eighth among guards in the overall voting, but here’s the thing: the players themselves ranked her fourth. That’s a big deal. The second-year Mystics wing has been that good — efficient scoring, disciplined defense, smart decision-making. She’s not a starter yet, but that kind of recognition from fellow WNBA players says a lot about where she’s headed.
The 2026 starting lineup is loaded, no question. But the list of players left out tells you just how deep this league has gotten. And nobody’s feeling that more than the Atlanta Dream right now.
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