News Summary
Chicago has been selected as the host city for the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, set to be held at the United Center. This marks the second time Chicago will host the event, with a series of activities planned to engage the community. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed excitement about Chicago’s basketball legacy, while the Chicago Sky team looks forward to building on past success. The All-Star festivities will include a fan festival and skills competitions, further enhancing community involvement and the growth of women’s professional basketball.
Chicago has been selected as the host city for the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The game will be held at the United Center, home to the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. This marks the second time Chicago will host the WNBA All-Star Game; the previous event occurred in 2022 at Wintrust Arena.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed enthusiasm regarding Chicago’s selection, noting the city’s rich basketball legacy and its commitment to community engagement. Chicago Sky’s CEO and President Adam Fox also emphasized the team’s eagerness to capitalize on the previous All-Star game’s success.
The 2026 All-Star festivities will extend beyond just the game. The event will feature multiple days of activities and events throughout the city. Specific details regarding ticket sales and the full schedule of events are expected to be released in the coming months, with tickets becoming available in 2026. Additionally, the 3-Point Contest and Kia WNBA Skills Challenge will be hosted on July 24, 2026, at Wintrust Arena.
An interactive fan festival is being planned for McCormick Place, offering activities for fans during All-Star weekend. The festival aims to enhance community involvement and celebrate the growth of women’s professional basketball.
In 2025, the WNBA All-Star Game is scheduled to take place in Indianapolis. The game there, which featured Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever, attracted an impressive average viewership of 2.2 million. This reflects a growing interest in women’s basketball, which has been steadily increasing over the years.
The confirmation of Chicago hosting the All-Star Game hinges on the finalization of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the league and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA). The current CBA is set to expire on October 31, 2025. If the parties fail to reach an agreement, it could impact several key events within the league, including the 2026 season.
Commissioner Engelbert remains hopeful about achieving a consensus that aligns the interests of both the league and the players, which could pave the way for continued growth and success of WNBA events.
The Chicago Sky celebrated the announcement of their return to the All-Star hosting role through social media, sharing excitement with messages highlighting the upcoming event.
Overall, the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game is poised to be a significant event for both the league and the city of Chicago, emphasizing not only the competitive aspects of professional basketball but also a strong focus on community involvement and fan engagement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
WNBA Faces Major CBA Negotiations and Free Agency Changes
WNBA Players Demand Fair Compensation Amid CBA Negotiations
NBA Regains Control of NBA TV and Streaming Platform
Thunder Set to Raise Championship Banner Against Rockets
Western Conference NBA Players Shine Ahead of Next Season
Eastern Conference Teams Gear Up for Competitive NBA Season
Concerns Raised Over Leadership at Braswell High School Football
WNBA Players Demand Fair Pay Amid Negotiations
New York Liberty’s Winning Streak Halted by Sparks
WNBA Players Demand Fair Pay During All-Star Game Protest
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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
