News Summary
Chicago will host the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center, marking the city’s second time as host of this prestigious event. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlights Chicago’s rich basketball history and community involvement. Exciting weekend events, including the 3-Point Contest and Kia WNBA Skills Challenge, are planned, along with a fan festival. The hosting is contingent upon a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and players association. Despite CBA concerns, optimism remains that an agreement will enhance this significant sports event in Chicago.
Chicago to Host 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game on July 25 at United Center
The City of Chicago has been selected to host the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026. This highly anticipated event will take place at the United Center, the renowned home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls.
This marks the second time that Chicago will host the All-Star Game, the first being in 2022 at the Wintrust Arena. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the significance of Chicago’s iconic basketball legacy and continued community outreach, expressing enthusiasm for what the event will bring to the city.
Chicago Sky CEO and President Adam Fox has expressed the team’s eagerness to excel and enhance the success achieved during the previous All-Star game. The 2026 All-Star weekend is planned to offer a variety of multi-day events and activations across the city, contributing to an exciting atmosphere and experience for fans and visitors.
Information regarding ticket sales and a comprehensive event schedule is expected to be disclosed in the upcoming months, with tickets to go on sale in 2026. On the agenda for the weekend, the 3-Point Contest and the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge are set to occur the day prior, on July 24, 2026, at Wintrust Arena. Additionally, a fan festival is planned to be held at McCormick Place during the All-Star weekend, providing interactive experiences for attendees.
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game previously took place in Indianapolis, the home of Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever, where it garnered an average viewership of 2.2 million. However, hosting the 2026 event in Chicago is subject to the finalization 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 failing to establish a new agreement could potentially impact several pivotal league events and the 2026 season.
Despite concerns surrounding the upcoming CBA negotiations, Engelbert remains optimistic about reaching a resolution that satisfies both the interests of the league and the players. As preparations for the All-Star weekend continue, the Chicago Sky recently celebrated their selection as hosts on social media, sharing the message, “NEXT STOP: WNBA ALL-STAR.”
This event promises to highlight not only the impressive skills of the league’s best players but also the vibrant sporting culture of Chicago, further solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for major sports events.
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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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