In what may be the richest pool of WNBA talent ever assembled, Erie native Kayla McBride has been named to her fourth WNBA All-Star team. McBride, who now plays for the Minnesota Lynx, will join Indiana’s Caitlin Clark, Chicago’s Angel Reese, and 10 others on Team WNBA. This elite team will face the USA Basketball Women’s National Team at the 2024 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix.
McBride’s Stellar Season
McBride’s All-Star selection, her first since 2019, comes during a standout season. The 2010 graduate of Villa Maria Academy has posted career highs in assists per game (3.7) and three-point shooting percentage (43.3%). She is the 13th player in Lynx history to earn All-Star status.
As of Wednesday, McBride’s season averages include 15.8 points per game and three rebounds per game, alongside her career-high assists average. Her three-point shooting percentage ranks seventh in the WNBA, and her 58 made three-pointers are just one shy of the league lead. McBride scored a season-high 32 points in a June 9 victory over Seattle in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. This impressive performance came just two days after she scored 25 points against Phoenix and nine days after a similar performance at Los Angeles.
Key Performances and Contributions
McBride poured in 16 points and a season-high eight assists on June 11 against Las Vegas, completing a five-game stretch during which she averaged 22.2 points. The Notre Dame alumna ranks second on the Lynx in scoring behind fellow All-Star Napheesa Collier, who averages 20.6 points per game.
The All-Star Game
McBride and Team WNBA are scheduled for an 8:30 p.m. tip-off on July 20 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. They will battle Collier and Team USA, which will soon depart for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Joining McBride on Team WNBA are:
- Caitlin Clark (Indiana)
- Angel Reese (Chicago)
- Dewanna Bonner and Brionna Jones (Connecticut)
- Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana)
- Allisha Gray (Atlanta)
- Dearica Hamby (Los Angeles)
- Jonquel Jones (New York)
- Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas)
- Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle)
Erie’s Kayla McBride joins Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, others on WNBA All-Star roster https://t.co/WnZUb01ywU
— GoErie (@GoErie) July 4, 2024
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese: Rising Stars
Clark and Reese have made headlines not only for their All-Star selections but also for their rivalry turned partnership. Both rookies have had an immediate impact on the league, leading their respective teams in key statistical categories. Clark averages 16 points and 7.1 assists per game, while Reese leads the WNBA with 11.8 rebounds per game and is one of just four players averaging a double-double this season.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Popularity
The WNBA has seen a surge in popularity, driven in part by the presence of stars like Clark and Reese. The Fever’s recent matchup against the Las Vegas Aces drew the largest crowd the WNBA has seen in nearly three decades, with more than 20,000 fans packing into T-Mobile Arena. This was the largest regular-season crowd at a WNBA game since 1999 and the fifth-largest crowd in league history.
Caitlin Clark
May marked the highest attended opening month in 26 years and the most-watched start to a season ever across every major network. The Aces, the defending back-to-back champions, became the first team to sell out every home game, including a September game against the Chicago Sky at T-Mobile Arena.
The Impact of Kayla McBride
McBride’s contributions extend beyond her impressive stats. Her leadership and experience have been invaluable to the Lynx. As a veteran player, she provides guidance and stability, helping to elevate the performance of her teammates.
McBride’s journey from Erie to the WNBA All-Star game is a testament to her hard work and dedication. Her success is a source of pride for her hometown and an inspiration for aspiring athletes.
Looking Ahead
As the WNBA continues to grow, the league is focusing on expanding its reach and engaging new audiences. The success of players like McBride, Clark, and Reese is driving this growth. Their performances and the increasing popularity of women’s basketball are drawing more fans to the game.
The upcoming All-Star game promises to be a thrilling showcase of the best talent in the WNBA. Fans can look forward to an exciting matchup as Team WNBA takes on Team USA. With stars like McBride leading the way, the game is set to be a highlight of the season.
The future of the WNBA looks bright, with increasing attendance, record viewership, and a growing fan base. The league is poised for continued success, and players like McBride are at the forefront of this exciting era in women’s basketball.