​Two Los Angeles Sparks players have earned spots as WNBA All-Stars later this month. Guard Kelsey Plum and forward Nneka Ogwumike were chosen as reserves by the league’s head coaches, according to a team news release. Both veterans are familiar faces at the All-Star Game: this marks Plum’s fifth consecutive All-Star selection since 2022, and Ogwumike’s 11th overall, with previous appearances in 2013-2015, 2017-2019, 2021, 2024, and now 2026.
Plum, in her second season with the Sparks, has faced injury challenges this year but remains a scoring and playmaking threat, averaging 23.9 points per game, 6.4 assists, and 2.2 rebounds. She has also shot efficiently, connecting on 52.7 percent of her attempts from the field and 38.3 percent from behind the three-point line. Despite her strong numbers, there is a possibility she may miss the All-Star Game due to lingering injury concerns. A source told ESPN’s Alexa Philippou that Plum’s status for the game would likely be determined closer to tip-off, as she continues to progress after being ruled out for at least four weeks in June due to a lower-leg injury.
Ogwumike is posting averages of 16.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game this season, numbers that align with her long-running career as one of the league’s top performers. She turned 36 on July 2, a milestone noted by ESPN’s Michael Voepel, who observed that Ogwumike remains elite in her 15th WNBA season despite the Sparks’ overall team results not meeting her hopes. Andrews highlighted that Ogwumike’s selection places her in a tie for the second-most All-Star appearances in WNBA history, alongside Diana Taurasi, with only Sue Bird having more All-Star selections at 13.
In a recent celebration from the Sparks, the team publicly honored both All-Star selections by presenting Plum and Ogwumike with bouquets, sharing a video of the moment on social media. Ogwumike expressed gratitude for the recognition and her opportunity to showcase her talents in this Sparks jersey.
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is scheduled for July 25 at Chicago’s United Center, with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time. The Sparks’ two All-Star representatives—Plum and Ogwumike—will join a roster of league stars competing in the West versus East showcase. The announcement comes as fans and analysts anticipate how Plum’s potential availability will affect the Sparks’ rotation and Ogwumike’s continued impact in her storied career.
For fans following the Sparks, this year’s All-Star selections underscore the franchise’s continued strength as Plum, in particular, continues to demonstrate why she remains one of the league’s most dynamic guards, capable of delivering high-volume scoring while contributing in playmaking and shooting efficiency. Ogwumike, meanwhile, remains a veteran leader and a consistent double-digit scorer and rebounder, providing a steadying presence for Los Angeles as they navigate a competitive Western Conference.
The league’s decision to name Plum and Ogwumike as reserves reflects their ongoing contributions and stature within the WNBA, as both players continue to add to their impressive legacies while representing the Sparks on one of the league’s biggest stages. As All-Star weekend approaches, fans will be watching to see how these two veterans perform under the bright lights of Chicago and whether Plum’s health will permit her to take the floor for the game.