News Summary
The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will take place in Chicago at the United Center, marking the city’s second time hosting the event. Alongside the main game, fans can look forward to a series of interactive events, including a fan festival and the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge. However, the hosting is contingent on a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and players’ association. WNBA officials express optimism about the event’s return to Chicago, emphasizing the city’s strong basketball culture.
Chicago has been selected to host the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the United Center, the official home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. This marks the second time the Windy City will serve as the venue for the prestigious women’s basketball event, with the previous All-Star Game having taken place in 2022 at the Wintrust Arena.
In anticipation of the All-Star Game weekend, a series of multi-day events and activities will be held throughout Chicago. As part of the lead-up to the game, the 3-Point Contest and the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge will occur a day prior to the main event on July 24, 2026, at Wintrust Arena. Additionally, an interactive fan festival is planned at McCormick Place, providing fans with an opportunity to engage and participate in various activities during the All-Star weekend.
As plans unfold, further details regarding ticket sales and the complete schedule of events will be announced in the coming months. It is noteworthy that tickets are expected to go on sale in 2026.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed enthusiasm about bringing the All-Star Game back to Chicago, highlighting the city’s rich basketball legacy and significant community outreach. Similarly, the CEO and President of the Chicago Sky, Adam Fox, indicated excitement for the opportunity to build upon the success achieved during the previous All-Star Game.
The hosting of the 2026 All-Star Game, however, 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. Should an agreement not be reached in time, it could impact not only the All-Star Game but also several major league events and the upcoming 2026 season. Engelbert remains hopeful that a deal aligning with both the league and the players’ interests will be established.
In a competitive landscape, engagement with fans and the community remains a priority as the WNBA continues to grow in popularity. The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, which took place in Indianapolis, attracted an average viewership of 2.2 million viewers, underscoring the interest in women’s basketball.
The Chicago Sky, gearing up for their role as hosts, celebrated the announcement on social media, signaling their eagerness for the upcoming basketball festivities. With a focus on exciting matchups, fan interaction, and celebrating women’s sports, the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game promises to be an excellent addition to Chicago’s vibrant sports culture.
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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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
