Chicago Sky teams up with city to empower girls ahead of 2026 WNBA All-Star weekend
CHICAGO (WLS) -- As Chicago gets ready to welcome some of the biggest names in women's basketball for WNBA All-Star Weekend, local organizations and the league are empowering the younger generation.
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On Tuesday, the Obama Presidential Center welcomed dozens of girls to hear from some of the greats, like former Sky player Linnae Harper and Olympic medalist and bobsledder Aja Evans.
The "Girls Opportunity Alliance" teamed up with After School Matters to host the event.
"I feel like it's a great opportunity to, kind of put yourself out there and build confidence within yourself, knowing that you might have the opportunity to pursue something that you love to do," Girls Opportunity Alliance Alayah Tureaud said.
According to the Women's Sports Foundation, when girls play sports, they gain skills that extend into communities, careers, and leadership roles later in life. For example, 71% who played youth sports later held formal leadership roles as adults in business, civic life, and beyond.
The goal was for the girls to leave feeling inspired and ready to take on the "world of sports" ahead of the WNBA All-Star Game.
Mia Scott is a high school senior and point-guard on her school's basketball team. She says she's learned valuable lessons.
"I could be a great leader. It is showing me that, like a show. It made me gain more confidence in myself and the things that I do," Scott said.
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Organizations across the city are prioritizing girls in sports, making sure they have the opportunity to play their way to the top.
The Chicago sky and the park district teamed up to paint 13 WNBA 3-point lines across community courts on Tuesday.
It's the most of any place in the country and leaders say it's sending a message that Chicago is the ultimate sports town.
"For the WNBA to see Chicago as a place to highlight and lift up the league, especially after you know 30 years of you know the trial of making sure that women's sports gets its just due now more than ever," Mayor Brandon Johnson said.
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Leaders say getting girls on the court is about more than developing the next great player, it's about developing the confidence to keep showing up, even when success doesn't come right away.
Mayor Johnson also announced he is giving away 500 free tickets to the skills contest this Friday and many of the girls say they plan to take him up on that offer.
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at the United Center.
