Did you know the 2024 NBA All-Star Game brought in over $403 million for Indy and Central Indiana? A 35% jump from the last two All-Star weekends, $80 million more than expected, and all of it during a snow-packed February weekend. Blistering wind, freezing temps, none of it could stop the crowds from flooding downtown. That’s Indiana for you. And now, Indy is doing it again – this time for the women. The WNBA All-Star 2025 is coming, and if the past is any proof, this city is about to turn all the way up.
For the first time in 25 years, the WNBA All-Star Weekend is heading to Indianapolis and if you think they’re going to treat this like just another basketball event, think again. Just a year after hosting the NBA All-Star Game for the first time since 1985, the city is back at it. And it’s unbelievable that they’ve done it in less than a year. The league actually approached Indy on short notice when the original host city faced a conflict. They jumped at the chance and turned the city into a W hoops wonderland.
Thanks to ESPN’s Holly Rowe, we just got our first stunning glimpse of what’s coming. So here’s what Rowe showed us – straight from the Indianapolis airport. A full-size basketball court design greets arriving guests, decked out in All-Star logos and colors. Right on the floor, the logo and “Welcome to the W, We’ve been expecting you” written. 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.
Indy is already ALL-STAR ready! @WNBA #WNBAAllStar2025 pic.twitter.com/hCEVCtW5ll
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) July 13, 2025
Let us also tell you 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. And it doesn’t at the airport, though. Over the past few weeks, downtown Indy has been draped in massive banners and signage. highlighting not just the All-Star event itself, but also the vets who made it what it is today. Plus, its big-name partners like Nike, Gatorade, Delta, Coach, and more.
Indeed, Indiana is basketball Hollywood. 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. But even if we do not talk about hoops, this city has been on a tear lately. In just the past year alone, they’re 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 sports hub, as they call it.
While there was no doubt about Indy’s infrastructure, what really seals the deal is the fandom. You already know they’re going to show up loud when their hometown favorite, Captain Caitlin Clark, is leading Team Clark against Napheesa Collier’s squad. Add in fellow Fever stars Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. Indiana and its people are more than ready.
WNBA All-Star energy takes over Indy- Know what all is cooking
In every sense of the word, Indianapolis is all in for WNBA All-Star 2025. There’s way more to look forward to than just the game and 3-point contest. We’re talking a full city takeover. Let’s start with the new that you can ride IndyGo buses for free during All-Star weekend, July 18–19.
Most routes take you straight to the Julia M. Carson Transit Center, and from there Gainbridge Fieldhouse is literally a block away. So enjoy hoops with zero traffic stress. And along with hospitality, they are taking care of their city, too. Speaking of which, Pacers Sports & Entertainment teamed up with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to clean up all 25 Indy Park basketball courts.
Volunteers hit the pavement – trash bags in hand – for a pickup game of a different kind. This “WNBA All-Star Court Clean-Up” is part of a larger sustainability push to make sure the city shines just as bright as its All-Star guests. And it’s not just about fun and flash. The WNBA and the All-Star Host Committee are running community events from July 17–19 focused on youth empowerment, health, career growth, and giving back.
Chicago, USA, June 23, 2024: Caitlin Clark 22 Indiana Fever speaks with Aliyah Boston 7 Indiana Fever during the game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever on Sunday June 23, 2024 at Wintrust Arena, Chicago, USA. NO COMMERCIAL USAGE Shaina Benhiyoun/SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xShainaxBenhiyoun/SPPx spp-en-ShBe-8P6A8511
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.
The post WNBA All-Star Vibes Hit Indianapolis: ESPN Reporter Shares Stunning Glimpse Week Before Team Clark vs. Collier Showdown appeared first on EssentiallySports.