Sky’s The Limit: WNBA Taking All-Star Game ’26, WNBA Live, Events To Chicago
Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 08:40PM By Barry Janoff
October 16, 2025: Calling it an event that would “undoubtedly deliver unforgettable competition and community outreach,” the WNBA named Chicago and the Sky to host the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game and surrounding activation.
The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game is scheduled for Saturday, July 25 in United Center, home to the NBA’s Bulls.
The WNBA last held the All-Star Game in Chicago in 2022.in Wintrust Arena, where the Sky play. It seats about 10,000; United Center seats about 21,000.
Chicago has hosted the NBA All-Star Game three times: 1973, 1988 and 2020, with the latter in the United Center.
“The WNBA is thrilled to bring AT&T WNBA All-Star back to Chicago, which will undoubtedly deliver unforgettable competition and community outreach,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said via the league.
“Together with the Chicago Sky, we look forward to celebrating the game’s brightest stars, engaging WNBA fans around the world, and showcasing the energy of one of basketball’s most iconic cities.”
One possible roadblock: The WNBA and WNBA Players Assn. are in the process of negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, with the current CBA expiring at the end of October. Without a CBA in place, events such as the Draft lottery, expansion draft and potentially the season itself may not take place.
A promo spot accentuates the positive.
Played out to shots of the city and players including Angel Reese and a snippet of Michael Jordan in action, a voiceover in “Chicago x All-Star 2026” offers, “Chicago is a basketball city. We are proud of what and who we represent. From the streets to the shore our energy is limitless. This is our home and our time. We are ready to host the WNBA All-Star Weekend. Are you?”
In addition to the game, people will experience a multi-day lineup of events and activation across the city, including the 3-Point Contest and Kia WNBA Skills Challenge, scheduled for July 24 in Wintrust Arena; and WNBA Live, the league’s interactive fan festival featuring player appearances, performances, and celebrating the WNBA’s intersection with fashion, music and culture, in McCormick Place.
The Chicago Sky are building a practice facility in Bedford Park, IL. Scheduled to open before the 2026 season, the $38 million, 40,000-square-foot performance center will feature two WNBA courts, a high-tech gym, a film room, private player lounges, and other amenities. 
During All-Star ’26, community impact events highlighting the WNBA’s commitment to youth engagement around Chicago and in the Sky’s new practice facility.
More activation and broadcast info will follow.
“The Chicago Sky are thrilled to welcome the 2026 WNBA All-Star game back to Chicago,” Adam Fox, Sky CEO and president, said via the team. “We can’t wait to build on the success of the previous All-Star game and celebrate the explosive growth of the league by showcasing the WNBA’s biggest stars on a world-class stage,
““We are so excited to welcome fans from around the globe to the WNBA All-Star game in our beautiful city with its storied basketball legacy. We are appreciative of everyone who worked with us to make this event happen.”
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