Following their team selections, take a closer look into the signature styles of the two All-Star Game captains. 

Under the leadership of team captains A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, the two teams for the upcoming 2023 All-Star Game in Las Vegas were finalized on Sunday afternoon. Both captains shared similar strategies for building their teams, with Wilson selecting all three of her Aces teammates and Stewart selecting all of her fellow Liberty players. Wilson and Stewart have also gone head-to-head in their on-court achievements: Wilson was recently named the 2023 Best WNBA Player in The ESPYS Awards, which Stewart won in 2021 and 2019. Wilson is also the WNBA’s reigning MVP, which she also won in 2020, and Stewart was the MVP in 2020. 

Both captains are also linked by a slim age gap of only two years. They’re both star players at the top of their game– Wilson enhances the heat and energy of the Aces while Stewart carries speed and finesse as she navigates her new home with the Liberty. Off-court, the two captains couldn’t be more different, yet equal in how their shining qualities influence their personal style. Inspired by the upcoming All-Star Weekend, this edition of “The W in Designer” highlights how these captains are forging player fashion in their own ways and differentiating themselves in their style details.

Confirming their impact both on- and off-court, Wilson and Stewart have both been officially co-signed through official custom colorways and sneaker models from top sportswear brands. Wilson, who signed a marketing deal with Nike in 2018, has been wearing the Cosmic Unity 3 throughout this season in a variety of colors. Ahead of All-Star Weekend, a new Cosmic Unity 3 has been revealed in a vibrant pink and red hue, with her “22” jersey number in salmon-colored midsole panels. Going back to last season, Wilson was rocking the Cosmic Unity 2 in PE colorways, then released a “University Red” colorway inspired by her grandmother, Hattie Rakes. 

For Stewart, her ongoing collaboration with Puma began in July 2022, which marked the brand’s first women’s basketball partnership in over a decade. While she released the Stewie 1 in January 2023, the unisex Stewie 2 model was unveiled in May in a “Ruby” colorway that’s inspired by her daughter. On-court, fans may have caught Stewart wearing the Stewie 2 in a PE colorway known as the “Apple Pizza,” a crisp, bright green that pays tribute to her grandma and “her love of baking.” Although many players honor their supporters through their custom products and collaborations, it’s amazing that both of these captains were able to transform their family love into eye-catching sneakers. 

While Wilson has always stunted with her pre-game outfits, this season has offered the captain a chance to bring even more fun into several looks. Working with stylist Amadi Brooks, her interest in ’90s-inspired looks has been enhanced in top-to-bottom True Religion and denim looks. Even her more casual looks this season feature a truly “boss” energy, with dramatic thigh-high slits on skirts, lots of dangerously skinny heels, and a wide variety of crop tops. Wilson has never been one to experiment too much with her hair or make-up, and fans can appreciate her commitment to consistency. 

Stewart has always been a queen of simplicity, so elevating her pre-game outfits for this season is no easy task. Partnering with stylist Courtney Mays, who previously worked with Sue Bird, Stewart maintains her easy approach to dressing with carefully selected designer pieces, matching sets, and different types of suits. Moving to New York has also added a street-inspired edge to her style, so there have been less vibrant colors than in previous seasons and the new addition of sharp accessories like sunglasses and watches. As Stewart and her wife continue to share their parenthood journey across social media, her growth is also apparent in her evolving style choices. 

Going into the style details of both captains, there’s a great contrast between Wilson, who’s become a maximalist in her outfit details, and Stewart, who makes noise with her minimalism. Wilson will layer multiple necklaces and chains, where each piece tells a story about her career as an athlete, with matching, oversized earrings. When Wilson went to receive her Championship ring, she accessorized with white flame nails and extra, equally sparkling rings. Wearing an Audemars Piguet watch with a silver dial, Stewart may be leading the charge in the league’s watch game– it’s probably the most impressive timepiece the W has seen in their tunnel fits. Expressing their undeniable shine in vastly different ways, tune in on July 15 to see how both women will lead their teams during the upcoming All-Star Game.  

WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle & fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs