When another city had to back out of hosting next year’s WNBA All-Star Game, both the Indiana Pacers organization and the City of Indianapolis jumped at the opportunity. That’s according to the Pacers Sports and Entertainment President Mel Raines.

“It was presented to us about six weeks ago. The league was looking for a site. We checked venue availability really quickly and we jumped at the opportunity,” said Raines in a Sunday interview with Inside Indiana Business.

Raines wouldn’t say what the previous city was that was scheduled, but did promise a great show for next year’s All-Star Game.

“I think it will look very different than it’s looked in other cities. Our goal is the same as it was for the NBA All-Star Game, which is to redefine what this event is and see it in its biggest opportunity. That will include legacy projects, community programs, and a bigger and better fan fest. Everybody will be able to come downtown and be a part of WNBA All-Star weekend,” said Raines.

Raines doesn’t want this to be just a moment, but rather a “movement.”

“We love basketball more than any other state. In addition to all of these other events that we host in Indianapolis like the Big Ten Tournament, Olympic Swimming Trials, etc, I think we were a pretty easy first call for them,” said Raines.

Raines said the WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Englebert, attend the NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis back in February of this year and was “pleased with what she saw.”

Raines says having Caitlin Clark help give a major boost to attendance of Fever home games has only made Indianapolis more desirable.

The WNBA All-Star game in Indianapolis is set for July 19, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The 3-point shooting and skills contests will be held Friday, July 18, 2025.