News Summary
The city of Chicago has been chosen to host the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center. This will be the second time Chicago hosts the event, following its success in 2022. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed enthusiasm about showcasing Chicago’s rich basketball legacy. The weekend will feature interactive events, including the 3-Point Contest and an interactive fan festival. While ticket details are yet to be announced, the event is anticipated to build on previous successes and engage local fans in celebration of women’s basketball.
Chicago has been selected to host the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the United Center. This marks the second time the Windy City will serve as the location for this prestigious event, following the successful 2022 All-Star Game held at Wintrust Arena. The announcement reflects Chicago’s strong basketball heritage and its ongoing commitment to community engagement within the sport.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed enthusiasm about hosting the All-Star Game in Chicago, emphasizing the city’s iconic basketball legacy. Engelbert noted the importance of the event in fostering relationships with fans and promoting women’s sports. Chicago Sky CEO and President Adam Fox stated that the team is eager to leverage the success of the previous All-Star game to create an even more memorable event.
The 2026 All-Star weekend promises a variety of multi-day events and activations throughout the city. Specific activities will include the 3-Point Contest and the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge, set to take place on July 24, 2026, at Wintrust Arena, providing fans with an opportunity to engage closely with the athletes. Additionally, an interactive fan festival is planned for McCormick Place during the All-Star weekend to enhance participation and excitement among the community.
Although the details, including ticket pricing and the complete schedule of events, will be revealed in the forthcoming months, fans are encouraged to note that tickets are expected to go on sale in 2026. These developments aim to not only spotlight the All-Star Game but also to engage the city of Chicago and its basketball-loving fans.
In 2025, the WNBA All-Star Game was held in Indianapolis, where it attracted an impressive average of 2.2 million viewers. This viewership highlights the growing popularity of the WNBA and the significance of its All-Star events in attracting fans. However, it is important to note that the hosting of the 2026 All-Star Game depends on the successful negotiation of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the league and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA). The current CBA is set to expire on October 31, 2025, and any failure to reach an agreement could potentially disrupt significant league events and impact the 2026 season.
Despite the potential challenges, Commissioner Engelbert remains hopeful that an agreement beneficial to both the league and the players will be reached. This optimism reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that the WNBA continues to grow and engage its fanbase effectively. With Chicago set to take center stage in 2026, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting celebration of women’s basketball.
As the Chicago Sky team celebrated their return as event hosts on social media, the message was clear: the upcoming All-Star Game signifies an important milestone for the city and the league. Fans and stakeholders alike are looking forward to what the 2026 All-Star weekend will bring, marking it as a pivotal event in the WNBA calendar.
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Additional Resources
- WNBA: 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game Announcement
- Bleacher Report: Chicago Hosts 2026 WNBA All-Star Game
- USA Today: Chicago Sky to Host 2026 WNBA All-Star Game
- Newsday: WNBA All-Star Game Returns to Chicago in 2026
- Fox 32 Chicago: WNBA All-Star Game 2026 Details
- Wikipedia: WNBA All-Star Game
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