Our Chicago: Chicago Hosts 2026 WNBA All-Star Game
The WNBA All-Star game will be played at Chicago's United Center on Saturday, July 25.
In the days leading up to it, the Obama Presidential Center will host several all-star events including Media Day, Changemaker Day and Junior WBNA Day.
This year's game comes as we're seeing a growing interest in women's professional basketball.
The WNBA All-Star game was last played in Chicago in 2022.
Nadia Rawlinson, co-owner and operating chairman of the Chicago Sky says a lot has changed since then.
"The thing that's changed the most is the world finally caught up to what has already been true. We've always had great talent. Always had great players. We've always had great stories. What was missing was the investment, the distribution, and quite honestly, the belief. And once we have those components, everything showed up and converged right at the right moment." Rawlinson said.
She added on the importance that Chicago lead the way on investment.
"When you invest in people, performance follows. And I think that's indicative of what we've committed to around building our practice facility, to be the best performance center that any player could play in," she said.
Rawlinson says the last time Chicago hosted the All-Star game, they were showcasing the league.
"Since then, a lot has changed, a lot has happened. In all great ways. And this time we are showcasing this particular moment. This is where the league is at some of the height of its momentum. This is the 30th Anniversary of the league itself. And they are doing it in one of the best sports cities in the world," she said.
When the final buzzer sounds at the All-Star Game, Rawlinson says there are three things that she wants people to feel as they leave: "One, is the players. I want us to honor the players. I want the players to feel like we celebrated them as the global stars that they are. That would be amazing. I also want Chicago to show up and show out and be proud that we hosted an amazing weekend with people from around the U.S. to come and experience the best of what Chicago has to offer, at the best time of year, with the best sport that's out there. And for everyone to be proud that they were here and a part of it. Fans, kids, community leaders, business partners, everyone. And finally, I must say, because I'm the mom of a two and a half year old daughter, that I hope that there's a little girl that will go to one of those parks, Robichaux or Hamilton Park, and walk up to that three point line and envision what she can be."
