WNBA Weighs Options for USA 250 Patches on All-Star Jerseys

The WNBA has not yet made a definitive decision regarding the inclusion of USA-themed patches on the jerseys for its 2026 All-Star Game. While the league has not dismissed the concept outright, it remains open to various possibilities.

A recent report from Sportico indicated that the WNBA may have its top players donning USA 250 patches during the upcoming All-Star Game. In a statement provided to USA TODAY, the league acknowledged, “Like other major sports leagues, we are exploring how best to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary. Nothing has been finalized at this time.”

Earlier this year, a coalition of major North American sports leagues announced plans to wear patches in honor of the United States' 250th birthday, a move that stemmed from a collaboration involving the Trump administration, sports merchandising company Fanatics, and the leagues themselves.

America250 is a nonprofit organization established by Congress to oversee celebrations of the nation’s founding in 1776. Notably, the WNBA, NWSL, and PGA Tour were not included in the initial announcement, though Fanatics has a partnership with the PGA.

The upcoming WNBA All-Star weekend is set to take place in Chicago from July 24-26. Brianna Turner, a forward for the Las Vegas Aces and treasurer of the WNBA Players Association, voiced her concerns about the patches on social media. She commented, “Whoever called for the WNBA all-star uniforms to have the USA 250 patch should have thought that through considering no WNBA players would have been free 250 years ago. The majority wouldn’t even have their freedom 100 years ago.” Turner's remarks highlighted the complexities surrounding the historical context of such commemorations.

As various sports leagues engage in similar celebrations, President Trump has announced a major rally in Washington on June 24 to commemorate the anniversary, touting it as the “greatest rally EVER.”