WNBA All-Stars opt out of USA 250 patches during All-Star Game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 25, 2026, 12:35 AM
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
The 2026 WNBA All-Stars will not wear USA 250 patches on their jerseys, as confirmed by players' union officers. Despite initial plans for the patches commemorating the nation's 250th birthday, discussions with league leadership led to this decision. Players, including Breanna Stewart and Nneka Ogwumike, emphasized the importance of representing their communities and exercising their autonomy. There has been mixed social media reaction regarding the patches, with some fans viewing it as a political endorsement. The All-Star Game is scheduled for July 25 at the United Center in Chicago.
- •WNBA All-Stars will not wear USA 250 patches.
- •Decision made after discussions among players and league officials.
- •All-Star Game is on July 25 at United Center.
- •Reactions on social media include concerns about political implications.
- •Players support autonomy in discussions about league representation.
- 3:01 AMYahoo Sports — ‘What Idiots,’ ‘Shameful’ — Controversy Erupts As WNBA Removes USA 250 Patches During All-Star Game
- 12:35 AMYahoo Sports — WNBA All-Stars not wearing USA 250 patches on uniforms: 'Difficult balancing act'
"The WNBA’s All-Star Game should have been a celebration of the best in women’s basketball and of a league that has garnered so many positive headlines due to its growing popularity. Unfortunately for the WNBA, it has been marred by its decision to remove the USA 250 jersey patch, a nonpartisan congressional patch celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary, which all other major sports have had no problem wearing.
"The 2026 WNBA All-Stars will not play with America-themed patches on their jerseys, players union officers said Friday.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 27, 2026, 3:01 AM‘What Idiots,’ ‘Shameful’ — Controversy Erupts As WNBA Removes USA 250 Patches During All-Star Game
The WNBA’s All-Star Game should have been a celebration of the best in women’s basketball and of a league that has garnered so many positive headlines due to its growing popularity. Unfortunately for the WNBA, it has been marred by its decision to remove the USA 250 jersey patch, a nonpartisan congressional patch celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary, which all other major sports have had no problem wearing.
- Yahoo SportsJul 25, 2026, 12:35 AMWNBA All-Stars not wearing USA 250 patches on uniforms: 'Difficult balancing act'
The 2026 WNBA All-Stars will not play with America-themed patches on their jerseys, players union officers said Friday.
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