WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert named Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes and Atlanta Dream forward Brionna Jones to replace Clark and Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally on Team Clark The announcement comes after it was confirmed that both Clark, the Indiana Fever rookie sensation, and Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally will be unable to participate in the highly anticipated matchup, scheduled for this Saturday in Las Vegas…

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert named Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes and Atlanta Dream forward Brionna Jones to replace Clark and Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally on Team Clark

 

The announcement comes after it was confirmed that both Clark, the Indiana Fever rookie sensation, and Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally will be unable to participate in the highly anticipated matchup, scheduled for this Saturday in Las Vegas.

 

 

July 18, 2025 — New York, NY — WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has named Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes and Atlanta Dream forward Brionna Jones as replacements for Caitlin Clark and Satou Sabally on Team Clark for the upcoming 2025 WNBA All-Star Game.

The announcement comes after it was confirmed that both Clark, the Indiana Fever rookie sensation, and Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally will be unable to participate in the highly anticipated matchup, scheduled for this Saturday in Las Vegas.

Sabally, a two-time All-Star and key player for the Mercury, was ruled out earlier this week due to a recurring back injury that has limited her minutes since late June. Meanwhile, Clark is stepping aside due to a minor ankle sprain she suffered during the Fever’s July 15 game against the New York Liberty. Though not considered serious, Indiana’s medical staff recommended rest over All-Star weekend.

Commissioner Engelbert expressed her support for both Clark and Sabally while applauding Sykes and Jones for their strong performances this season.

“While we’re disappointed that Caitlin and Satou won’t be participating in this year’s All-Star Game, we’re thrilled to welcome Brittney Sykes and Brionna Jones as deserving replacements,” Engelbert said in a statement Friday morning. “Both have demonstrated outstanding play and leadership for their teams and will bring incredible energy to Team Clark.”

This marks Sykes’ first career All-Star selection, a milestone moment for the 5’9” guard in her eighth WNBA season. Known for her tenacious perimeter defense and transition scoring, Sykes has been a bright spot for the struggling Mystics. She’s averaging 14.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.1 steals per game — the latter placing her among league leaders.

“It’s a blessing,” Sykes said in a media availability following the announcement. “I’ve worked hard to get here, and I’m just grateful for the opportunity to compete alongside so many great players.”

Brionna Jones returns to the All-Star spotlight after missing most of the 2024 season with an Achilles injury. Now fully healthy, the 6’3” forward has been a dominant interior presence for the Dream, averaging 15.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while anchoring Atlanta’s defensive efforts in the paint.

“It’s been a journey back,” Jones said. “To be recognized like this after the rehab and everything I went through last year — it means a lot.”

Team Clark, now featuring Sykes and Jones, will face Team Stewart in what’s expected to be a high-scoring showcase of the league’s brightest stars. The All-Star Game is part of the WNBA’s broader celebration of its elite talent ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic break.

Despite the absence of two big names, Saturday’s matchup promises fireworks, as All-Stars past and present take the court to highlight the league’s depth and competitive spirit.