Caitlin Clark is out of the most anticipated event of the year after aggravating her groin injury during the game against the Connecticut Sun. Her absence is a major blow, not just to her team but to the entire league, as she is the face of the WNBA and a magnet for fan interest and viewership.

Especially because the event is at Caitlin Clark’s home stadium in Indianapolis. Even if she is not participating on the court, she is “looking forward to helping Sandy (Brondello) coach our team to a win.” They will go up against Napheesa Collier and Co. But she is not the only one injured, as Satou Sabally is recovering from her ankle injury. With two stars already out, it casts a shadow on the weekend.

But the show must go on, and the league has made its move. Brittney Sykes, once dubbed the biggest snub of the year, has reportedly received the call-up alongside Brionna Jones. It’s a well-deserved recognition for both. Sykes has been leading the Washington Mystics with authority, helping their young roster mount an impressive comeback season. Jones has been the rock for the Atlanta Dream, consistently delivering when it matters most. Now, both get their shot on the big stage.

Brittney Sykes is lighting it up this season, leading the Washington Mystics with 17.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Critics have questioned her All-Star credentials, pointing out that a large chunk of her scoring comes from the free-throw line, and she’s second in the league with 147 attempts. But that’s missing the bigger picture.

Sykes isn’t just scoring, she’s setting the tone. Her relentless drive, veteran leadership, and clutch play have transformed a struggling team into a rising force. The Mystics are miles ahead of where they were last year, and Sykes is the reason why. She’s not only putting up numbers, she’s mentoring the two other All-Stars on her team and bringing out the best in them. This first All-Star call-up isn’t just deserved, it’s overdue.

Brionna Jones has been just as worthy of the spotlight. As the anchor of the Atlanta Dream’s frontcourt, she’s carried a heavy load. Her pairing with Brittney Griner was expected to be a boost, but with Griner struggling through the toughest season of her career, Jones has had to shoulder even more responsibility. She’s responded with poise, leading the Dream in rebounds at 7.8 per game, while adding 13.4 points and 2.8 assists with a creative spark. Her consistency and versatility have been critical for a team navigating change. Jones has been the rock Atlanta leans on, and this All-Star selection is the recognition she’s more than earned.

Injuries Threaten to Dim the Hype Around All-Star Weekend

There’s nothing quite like watching the best go head-to-head. When elite players share the court and face off against equally high-caliber opponents, it creates the kind of electric, high-stakes spectacle fans live for. All-Star Weekend is built on that idea, a celebration of the game’s brightest talents in one place. But this year, that promise is fading as a wave of injuries sidelines some of the league’s biggest stars.

The current injury list reads like an All-Star roster. Caitlin Clark, the league’s most-watched player and All-Star captain, is officially out with a groin injury. Satou Sabally is missing the event as well due to a lingering ankle issue. Rhyne Howard is also unavailable, ruled out for the rest of July after suffering a left knee injury during a recent game against the Indiana Fever.

Angel Reese’s status remains uncertain. The rising Sky star missed her final game before the break with a leg issue. Though the decision was reportedly precautionary, and she is still expected to play, her participation in Indianapolis is being monitored closely.

Jackie Young adds to the concerns. The Las Vegas Aces guard suffered a right hip injury in a physical game against the Dallas Wings after colliding with Luisa Geiselsöder. She left the game and did not return, putting her All-Star status in serious doubt.

These injuries have cast a shadow over what is usually the league’s most exciting weekend. More importantly, they raise serious questions about the toll of the WNBA’s compressed schedule. With little time for rest or recovery and constant travel, players are being pushed to their limits. Just when the league needs its stars to shine brightest, the grind is forcing them off the court. The cost of the schedule is becoming impossible to ignore.

As All-Star Weekend tips off, the spotlight is dimmed by the absence of some of the league’s biggest names. While stars like Brittney Sykes and Brionna Jones step up, the event feels incomplete without Clark, Sabally, and Howard. The weekend will still offer great moments, but the growing list of injuries highlights a bigger issue. The WNBA’s tight schedule is taking a toll. For the league to keep rising, it must protect its stars, not just celebrate them.