The NBA is planning to leverage the rising popularity of female basketball sensation Caitlin Clark by featuring the Indiana Fever player in its annual All-Star weekend.

The event’s format has been a topic of discussion after the 2024 one-sided match, where the Eastern Conference trounced their Western rivals 211-186 in Indianapolis.

The ‘East vs West’ concept was revived this year, harking back to the original team names used in the inaugural game in 1951. From 2018 to 2023, two team captains would conduct a draft to select their team, regardless of conference, with LeBron James emerging victorious in five out of six contests as captain.

However, the 2025 edition is set to include the women’s game. ESPN reports that the league is in advanced discussions to introduce a new tournament format to the All-Star event and reintroduce the NBA vs WNBA three-point shootout.

This format was implemented last year, pitting Stephen Curry against Sabrina Ionescu. The contest was a hit with fans and contributed to the largest year-on-year viewership increase for any All-Star event.

Reports now suggest that the 2025 edition, scheduled to take place at the Chase Centre, home of the Golden State Warriors, will feature Clark as the WNBA representative. She will compete against Golden State legend Klay Thompson, currently with the Dallas Mavericks.

Moreover, there are plans for four All-Star teams to participate in a rapid-fire tournament, with the two semi-final victors then battling it out in a final, instead of the usual standalone All-Star Game. However, it’s the inclusion of Clark that is set to steal the spotlight.

Clark could take on Klay Thompson. ( 

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(Image: Getty))

The point guard has skyrocketed to fame in 2024, smashing multiple records in her debut season. Her impressive stats in assists and point scoring inevitably led to her being named Rookie of the Year.

She was also selected for the esteemed WNBA All-Star team by league organizers. The participation of the 22 year old would also boost publicity ahead of the NBA’s new television deal.

From 2026, the All-Star game will switch networks from TNT to NBC. Clark is currently considering a lucrative offer from the new Unrivaled 3v3 league, which kicks off in January.

The game’s latest sensation has so far been tight-lipped about her plans, but organizers have confirmed a deal is on the table for the Iowa College graduate.