Chicago, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Chicago will host the WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center, marking its return as the host city for this prestigious event. Scheduled for July 25, the weekend will feature exciting activities, including the 3-Point Contest and Kia WNBA Skills Challenge, alongside a fan festival. While anticipation grows, details on ticket availability remain to be finalized, dependent on CBA negotiations. This decision reflects the city’s strong basketball heritage and commitment to supporting women’s sports.
Chicago has been selected to host the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026. The highly anticipated event will take place at the United Center, the home venue for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. This marks the second time Chicago will serve as the host city for the WNBA All-Star Game, following its first hosting in 2022 at the Wintrust Arena.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event, emphasizing Chicago’s rich basketball history and its commitment to community engagement. Additionally, Chicago Sky CEO and President Adam Fox conveyed the team’s eagerness to extend the momentum generated from the previous All-Star game.
The 2026 All-Star weekend is set to feature a variety of multi-day events and activities throughout the city. Among the highlights will be the 3-Point Contest and the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge, both of which will occur on July 24, 2026, at Wintrust Arena. An engaging fan festival is also in the works for McCormick Place in Chicago during the All-Star weekend, aiming to provide a comprehensive experience for attendees.
Details regarding ticket availability and a full schedule of events will be released in the upcoming months, with ticket sales expected to begin in 2026. It is important to note that the confirmation of the 2026 All-Star Game is subject to the finalization of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA). The current CBA is due to expire on October 31, 2025, and if a resolution is not achieved, it could impact several key league events and the 2026 season.
Despite these potential challenges, Engelbert remains optimistic about reaching an agreement that balances the interests of both the league and its players. The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game was hosted in Indianapolis and attracted an impressive average viewership of 2.2 million, underscoring the growing popularity of women’s basketball and the anticipation surrounding future events.
The Chicago Sky has already celebrated their return as hosts on social media, signaling their readiness for the event with the phrase, “NEXT STOP: WNBA ALL-STAR.” This excitement reflects a broader enthusiasm for the continued growth and visibility of women’s sports in the region.
What to Expect in 2026
- Date: July 25, 2026
- Location: United Center, Chicago
- Key Events:
- 3-Point Contest and Kia WNBA Skills Challenge on July 24, 2026, at Wintrust Arena
- Fan festival at McCormick Place during All-Star weekend
- Tickets: Sales will begin in 2026, with detailed information to be announced later
- CBA Negotiations: Ongoing discussions expected before October 31, 2025
Background Context
The WNBA has been working to increase its visibility and engagement with fans, and events like the All-Star Game play a crucial role in this effort. Chicago’s hosting of the All-Star Game in 2022 showcased the potential for strong local support and enthusiasm for women’s sports. The 2026 event aims to build on that success, offering fans an opportunity to celebrate top-level basketball and community spirit.
FAQs
When is the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game scheduled?
The game is scheduled for July 25, 2026.
Where will the All-Star Game be held?
The game will take place at the United Center in Chicago.
What events will take place during the All-Star weekend?
The weekend will include the 3-Point Contest and the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge, as well as a fan festival at McCormick Place.
When will tickets for the event go on sale?
Ticket sales are expected to begin in 2026, with more details to be announced later.
What is the status of the CBA?
The current collective bargaining agreement expires on October 31, 2025, and the hosting of the All-Star Game is contingent upon finalizing a new agreement.
Key Features of the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | July 25, 2026 |
| Location | United Center, Chicago |
| Key Events | 3-Point Contest, Kia WNBA Skills Challenge (July 24), Fan festival |
| Ticket Availability | Sales in 2026, details to be announced |
| CBA Status | Current CBA expires on October 31, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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