News Summary
Chicago has been chosen to host the WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center, marking the city’s second time as the event’s venue. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasizes Chicago’s strong basketball culture, while Chicago Sky’s leadership is focused on improving fan engagement and event experience. The All-Star weekend will feature a variety of activities, with tickets to go on sale in 2026. However, the event’s confirmation is contingent on a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players’ association.
Chicago to Host 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game
The City of Chicago has been selected to host the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the United Center, the home arena of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. This announcement marks the second time that Chicago will serve as the venue for the WNBA All-Star Game, having previously hosted the event in 2022 at Wintrust Arena.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed enthusiasm regarding the event, recognizing Chicago’s strong basketball heritage and commitment to community engagement. Meanwhile, Chicago Sky’s CEO and President Adam Fox highlighted the team’s commitment to building upon the achievements of the last All-Star Game.
Event Details and Schedule
The 2026 All-Star weekend promises to be a highlight, featuring multi-day events and various activities across the city. While the complete schedule and ticket details will be released in the upcoming months, tickets are expected to go on sale in 2026. Notably, the 3-Point Contest and Kia WNBA Skills Challenge are scheduled to take place one day prior, on July 24, 2026, at Wintrust Arena. An interactive fan festival is also planned for McCormick Place in Chicago during the All-Star weekend.
Television Ratings and Previous Events
The previous All-Star Game, held in 2025 in Indianapolis, attracted an average of 2.2 million viewers. The game confirmed the growing interest in women’s basketball and the increasing popularity of the WNBA.
Contingencies and Collective Bargaining Agreement
The hosting of the 2026 All-Star Game is subject to the final agreement of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA). The current CBA is set to expire on October 31, 2025. If negotiations fail, it could impact several key league events, including the upcoming All-Star Game and the 2026 season. Despite these uncertainties, Engelbert remains hopeful for a deal that will be mutually beneficial for both the league and the players.
Community Engagement and Future Outlook
The Chicago Sky celebrated their return as hosts of the All-Star Game on social media with an announcement messaging “NEXT STOP: WNBA ALL-STAR.” This indicates a strong commitment to engaging with fans and enhancing the experience surrounding the game.
Overall, the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago is set to be an exciting event that showcases the talents of women athletes while promoting community engagement and support for the women’s sports movement.
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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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