Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell spent last week keeping her excitement about the All-Star game in check, as she had crucial games to focus on first. On Friday, she finally expressed her enthusiasm for playing Saturday’s game in her home city. Her eyes lit up, and a big smile spread across her face as she shared, “I’m grateful, happy my family and friends are here. I’m from Cincinnati, so it’s close to us, and many of us reconnect through basketball. It’s just a fun, great experience, and I’m thankful for it.”
Mitchell is making her third consecutive All-Star appearance, but this one feels different. Indianapolis is hosting the All-Star Weekend for the first time, being the 13th city to do so. Previously, the event was mainly held in New York during the first decade, then moved to places like Washington and more recently to cities in the west such as Phoenix and Las Vegas. Last year’s game was in Phoenix, and Las Vegas has hosted three of the last five, with a chance of returning next year.
If Saturday’s game draws crowds like the festivities on Friday, which attracted around 15,000 fans, Indianapolis could become a regular host. Three-point champion Sabrina Ionescu noted that unlike her last experience in Las Vegas, which didn’t feel sold out, she felt at home here in Indy, reminding her of when Stephen Curry last beat her in the city.
Players like Arisha Grey from Atlanta recognize “Hoosiers” as both a nickname for Indiana University and a famous basketball movie, appreciating the state’s rich basketball culture. However, not all players feel the same home-like vibe at the All-Star Game. Four-time All-Star Kelsey Plum, who played in Las Vegas for six seasons before joining Los Angeles, said the arena felt more like a visitor’s spot with fans cheering for the home team rather than offering a true home crowd feeling.
The game promises to be intense, especially with WNBA rookies of the year like Clark and Boston showcasing star power. Still, Mitchell is highly respected locally for her scoring ability, upbeat personality, and resilience—she only experienced her first playoffs last year. Because of this, Clark expects the game to be an emotional one for Mitchell.
The hometown connection extends beyond Mitchell. Former Fever guard Erica Wheeler, now a teammate of Skylar Diggins-Smith from Seattle, participated in Friday’s Skill Challenge with enthusiasm. Diggins, a seven-time All-Star and Indiana’s 2009 Miss Basketball, has a strong connection to the state through her hometown and Notre Dame’s consecutive Final Four appearances.
Diggins praised the city, saying, “When I’m here, it’s always love. The fans are great. Indianapolis is a wonderful host. It feels right for the event to be here, and I get to see a lot of family and friends.”
Others have already voiced their hopes for more All-Star games in new cities. Arisha Grey expressed excitement about representing Atlanta fans and believes the league should bring the All-Star game to Atlanta soon.
Mitchell might be inclined to agree, especially after enjoying a meal at one of Wheeler’s restaurants in Atlanta. But for now, she’s focused on soaking in this special moment with her family, friends, teammates, and competitors.
“For us, it’s a chance to connect on many levels, and basketball is the way to do that,” Mitchell said. “It’s fun for the city, fun for our families, and fun for the world, especially considering everything that’s happening.”
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Fan Take: This All-Star event in Indianapolis underscores how the WNBA is growing its fan base by connecting players with their hometowns and bringing basketball celebrations to new cities. For fans, it means more hometown pride, greater community engagement, and a brighter future for the sport’s national presence.
