News Summary
Chicago has been selected as the host city for the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center. This major sporting event will not only feature the game but also a series of multi-day activities and fan engagement events leading up to the All-Star festivities. Following a successful previous All-Star Game, league officials express confidence in Chicago’s capability to highlight women’s basketball and its growing popularity. The event is anticipated to bring together fans in celebration of the sport amidst ongoing league discussions related to player agreements.
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. The event will take place at the United Center, the renowned home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, marking the second time the WNBA All-Star Game is hosted in the city. The first occasion was in 2022 at Wintrust Arena.
Details of the Event
The weekend will feature more than just the All-Star Game. It will include a variety of multi-day events and activations across Chicago to engage fans and celebrate women’s basketball. The schedule is expected to be announced in the upcoming months with ticket sales planned for 2026. Specific information regarding tickets and event details will be made available closer to the date.
All-Star Weekend Activities
Preceding the main event, the 3-Point Contest and Kia WNBA Skills Challenge are scheduled for July 24, 2026, at Wintrust Arena. During All-Star weekend, an interactive fan festival will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago, providing fans with an opportunity for engagement, entertainment, and community outreach.
Previous All-Star Event and Viewership
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game was held in Indianapolis, hometown of Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever, and drew an average of 2.2 million viewers. The event’s success reflects the league’s growing popularity and the increasing interest in women’s professional basketball.
Significance of Chicago as Host City
Chicago has a rich basketball history, an aspect highlighted by league officials and team executives. The Chicago Sky, the city’s WNBA franchise, expressed enthusiasm on social media about returning as hosts with the message, “NEXT STOP: WNBA ALL-STAR.” This selection emphasizes Chicago’s status as a prominent basketball city with a dedicated fan base and a vibrant sports community.
League and League Politics
The announcement of Chicago as the host city for the 2026 All-Star Game is also linked to ongoing league discussions surrounding the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The current CBA is set to expire on October 31, 2025, and the league’s hosting plans depend on reaching a new agreement between the WNBA and the WNBPA (WNBA Players Association). A failure to finalize this agreement could impact not just All-Star festivities but also the 2026 season and other major league events.
League Outlook and Future Expectations
While league officials have expressed optimism about reaching a fair and comprehensive deal, they acknowledge that negotiations are critical for the league’s future growth and stability. The league aims to continue expanding visibility and creating opportunities for players and fans alike, with the Chicago All-Star Game positioned as a highlight for 2026.
Conclusion
With the hosting rights secured, Chicago is preparing to welcome the WNBA All-Star festivities in the summer of 2026. The city’s involvement underscores its importance in women’s basketball and its commitment to supporting the league’s development. As plans unfold, fans can anticipate a weekend full of events showcasing the talent and excitement of the WNBA.
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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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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
