The WNBA used a traditional Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference format for the All-Star Game until 2018, when the captains format was adopted. The captains format has been in use since then, except in 2021 and 2024, when an Olympic themed Team WNBA vs. Team USA format was adopted.

After being named one of the two WNBA All-Star captains ahead of the All-Star Game, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark called it a "cool honor" as the stage is set in Indiana.