For the first time in 25 years, the WNBA All-Star Weekend is heading to Indianapolis. Just a year after hosting the NBA All-Star Game for the first time since 1985, which showed a turnover of $403 million with just $80 million predicted, the city is back at it. The league actually approached Indy on short notice when the original host city faced a conflict. They jumped at the chance, and as evident from the early snaps, they have already turned the city into a W hoops wonderland.

Indianapolis has rolled out a full city takeover ahead of July 18–19. IndyGo is offering fare-free rides throughout downtown, covering nearly every route and specifically connecting to the Julia M. Carson Transit Center, a single block from Gainbridge Fieldhouse—ensuring seamless travel for fans heading to the game, 3‑Point Contest, or WNBA Live fan fest at the Convention Center and White River State Park. Meanwhile, Pacers Sports & Entertainment partnered with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to schedule a “WNBA All-Star Court Clean-Up”: volunteers tackled grime and refurbished all 25 city park courts, trash bags in hand, as part of a broader sustainability push that includes reusable cups at the Fieldhouse and publicly expanded recycling and composting systems.

All of this preparation frames one of the most anticipated matchups in the WNBA: Caitlin Clark vs. Napheesa Collier. Clark, a local sensation and Indiana Fever rookie, will captain Team Clark, while Collier leads Team Collier for the first time. And while Indianapolis models itself as the WNBA’s showcase, ESPN’s Holly Rowe is already inside the airport, showing us exactly what visitors are greeted with the moment they land.

So here’s what Rowe showed us – straight from the Indianapolis airport, where a full-size basketball court greets guests, decked out in bold All-Star logos and vibrant colors. Stamped across the court is “Welcome to the W, We’ve been expecting you”. And if that wasn’t enough, nearby banners showcase all your favorite All-Stars, surrounded by signature WNBA branding and even a hoop setup. It’s giving “this is our moment” and we’re loving it. Rowe said it best: “It’s so cool, I love it.” So do we.

The airport transformation was crafted by Miles Printing, a woman-owned Indiana-based business. The stunning court image took 92 hours to install and will stay up until July 21. The All-Star energy doesn’t stop at the airport, though. Downtown Indy has similarly been transformed.

Giant banners have popped up across key thoroughfares near Gainbridge Fieldhouse, spotlighting not just the All-Star weekend but headliners like Nike, Gatorade, Coach, and Delta. Inside the Fieldhouse’s adjacent Virginia Ave garage walkway, vibrant graphics now guide fans toward the venue, weaving in imagery of three Indiana Fever All-Stars: Clark, Boston, and Mitchell. Plus, community-centric events are already underway in partnership with local nonprofits: from Zumba and disc-dog exhibitions at the airport to court-cleanup efforts in 25 city parks—signs that this is more than a game, it’s a women’s basketball takeover by design.

Indeed, Indiana is basketball Hollywood right now. This is their moment, and the momentum is clear. From Indiana University to Notre Dame, from the Pacers to the Fever – basketball is in the state’s DNA. Also, one of the biggest reasons this weekend feels so special is the way this city has embraced women’s sports. Also, in just the past year alone, they’ve hosted March Madness (twice), the Total Solar Eclipse, the Olympic Swim Trials, Fever making the playoffs, Taylor Swift concerts, the Royal Rumble, and even the Pacers in the NBA Finals.

The WNBA and the All-Star Host Committee are also running community events from July 17–19 focused on youth empowerment, health, career growth, and giving back. One of the biggest moments is the second annual WNBA Changemaker Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 17. Oh, and by the way, EssentiallySports is heading to Indy too. We’ve got coverage, content, and maybe a few surprises planned just for you.

So the game will be iconic, hands down. But everything around it might just be the real All-Star moment.