WNBA All-Star Game to use live subs, bring back 4-point shots

Saturday's All-Star Game will feature a much faster pace than WNBA fans are accustomed to.

The league announced several changes to the 2025 All-Star Game on Wednesday, including the use of live substitutions and the reintroduction of circular 4-point shot zones for each team. Live replacements will only be permitted when a team has possession in their backcourt, and a squad can substitute only one player per possession.

The WNBA is also drastically cutting free throws to speed up the game's pace. Players will only be required to shoot from the line in the final two minutes and any overtime periods. All other fouls that result in free throws will instead be converted into points. Additionally, the shot clock will be reduced from 24 to 20 seconds, although offensive rebounds will still reset the clock to 14 seconds.

The league previously used the 4-point zones, quicker shot clock, and automatic free-throw points in the 2022 and 2023 All-Star Games. However, it opted to return to a more traditional format last season when Team WNBA faced Team USA.

This year's All-Star Game will feature opposing squads captained by Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark and reigning MVP Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx. The two drafted their respective rosters as captains after finishing in the top two of fan voting.

The game tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET in Indianapolis.