Chicago, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Chicago has been chosen as the host city for the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center. This event will showcase multi-day activities, including the 3-Point Contest and Kia Skills Challenge. The hosting is contingent on finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement. Local officials express enthusiasm for the occasion, building on Chicago’s rich basketball history to create a community atmosphere around the event.
Chicago has been officially selected to host the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday, July 25, 2026. This 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 has hosted the WNBA All-Star Game, the first being in 2022 at Wintrust Arena.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert conveyed her enthusiasm regarding the event, emphasizing Chicago’s rich basketball history and the city’s commitment to community involvement. Adam Fox, President and CEO of the Chicago Sky, expressed the team’s eagerness to build on the accomplishments of the previous All-Star Game.
The 2026 All-Star Weekend is set to offer multi-day events and activities throughout the city, providing fans with various opportunities to engage with the sport. Specific details regarding ticket sales and a full schedule of events will be shared in the coming months, with tickets expected to go on sale in 2026.
On July 24, 2026, the 3-Point Contest and the Kia WNBA Skills Challenge are planned to take place at Wintrust Arena, setting the stage for the All-Star Game. Additionally, an interactive fan festival is in the works for McCormick Place in Chicago during the All-Star Weekend, fostering a community atmosphere around the event.
Recent WNBA Viewership shows that the 2025 All-Star Game in Indianapolis, home to Indiana Fever’s star player, Caitlin Clark, attracted an average of 2.2 million viewers. This statistic illustrates the growing popularity of the WNBA and its events. However, the hosting of the 2026 All-Star Game is currently conditional, depending on the finalization of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA).
The current CBA is set to expire on October 31, 2025, and failure to secure a new agreement may impact key league events and the 2026 season. Engelbert remains hopeful about negotiating a deal that balances the league’s and players’ interests, aimed at ensuring the success of future events.
The Chicago Sky celebrated their selection as hosts on social media, sharing their excitement for the upcoming All-Star Game with the message, “NEXT STOP: WNBA ALL-STAR.” This spirit of enthusiasm is shared by the wider Chicago community, as they prepare for what promises to be an exciting showcase of women’s basketball.
In Summary
- Los Angeles selected to host the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game.
- Event scheduled for July 25, 2026, at the United Center.
- Multi-day events planned, including skills contests and a fan festival.
- Details on ticket sales and the event schedule to be announced later.
- Dependence on a new collective bargaining agreement ahead of the 2026 season.
FAQ Section
When is the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game?
The game is scheduled for July 25, 2026.
Where will the game be held?
The event will take place at the United Center in Chicago.
What activities will be available during the All-Star Weekend?
The weekend will feature multi-day events, including the 3-Point Contest and Kia WNBA Skills Challenge at Wintrust Arena, as well as an interactive fan festival at McCormick Place.
When will tickets go on sale?
Ticket sales information will be announced in 2026.
What is the implication of the collective bargaining agreement for the event?
The hosting of the 2026 All-Star Game is contingent upon finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement, which will expire on October 31, 2025.
Key Features of the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game
| Feature | Date |
|---|---|
| WNBA All-Star Game | July 25, 2026 |
| Location | United Center, Chicago |
| 3-Point Contest & Skills Challenge | July 24, 2026 |
| Fan Festival | July 24-25, 2026 |
| New Collective Bargaining Agreement Deadline | October 31, 2025 |
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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
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