News Summary
Chicago has been chosen to host the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center. The event will include multiple fan-focused activities leading up to the main game, celebrating the league’s top talent and boosting local tourism. With Chicago’s strong basketball history and community initiatives, the city aims to create an unforgettable experience for fans. Ticket sales and further details will be shared in the coming months, all contributing to anticipation for this landmark event in women’s sports.
Chicago To Host 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game 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 event will take place at the United Center, the home arena of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, marking the second time Chicago has hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, with the first event held in 2022 at Wintrust Arena.
Event Details and Schedule
The 2026 All-Star weekend will feature multiple events over several days across Chicago. The main game on July 25 will be preceded by popular fan-focused contests, including the 3-Point Contest and Kia WNBA Skills Challenge, which are set to happen on July 24, 2026, at Wintrust Arena. In addition to the game and skill events, an interactive fan festival is planned to take place at McCormick Place. Further information regarding ticket sales and a detailed schedule of the weekend’s activities will be announced in the upcoming months, with tickets expected to go on sale in early 2026.
Community and League Responses
Organizers and league officials expressed enthusiasm about Chicago hosting the All-Star Game, emphasizing the city’s rich basketball history and its vibrant community outreach efforts. Chicago Sky CEO and President Adam Fox highlighted the team’s eagerness to continue the success established during the previous All-Star event in 2022. The event aims to celebrate the league’s top talent and promote engagement among fans, players, and local communities.
Significance of Chicago Hosting
Hosting the All-Star Game further cements Chicago’s status as a prominent hub for basketball. The event also intends to boost local tourism and economy through extensive activations and festivities. The 2022 All-Star Game in Chicago drew significant attention, and the upcoming 2026 event is anticipated to attract large crowds and media coverage, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a key destination for major sports events.
Context and Broader League Outlook
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game was hosted in Indianapolis, home of Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever, and drew an average of 2.2 million viewers. The selection of Chicago for 2026 demonstrates the league’s strategy to deploy marquee events in cities with substantial basketball fan bases and strong infrastructure.
However, the successful organization of the 2026 All-Star Game is contingent upon the league finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The current CBA is set to expire on October 31, 2025. If negotiations between the league and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) falter, there could be disruptions affecting league events and the 2026 season. League commissioner Cathy Engelbert remains optimistic about reaching a mutually beneficial agreement that supports the growth of women’s professional basketball.
Celebration and Anticipation
The Chicago Sky has publicly celebrated its role as a host city through social media, marking the upcoming event with messages of excitement. As preparations continue, fans and stakeholders await further details about ticket availability and full event programming, all contributing to the build-up for what is expected to be a landmark occasion in women’s sports.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations Intensify
Major League Baseball Releases League Championship Series Schedule
NBA Regains Control Over Media Operations
Virginia Beach Hosts Pharrell Williams’ VIRGINIA Brand Pop-Up Shop
Virginia Beach Proposes Major Indoor Arena to Boost Entertainment and Tourism
Virginia Beach Hosts Local Production of ‘Sleuth’
Virginia Beach Arena Project Town Hall Meeting
Oklahoma City Kicks Off NBA Season with Thunder’s Banner Ceremony
Cryptocurrency Group Disrupts WNBA Games with Sex Toys
Key Player Highlights and Prospects for the Red Wings Season
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
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
