WNBA to host All-Star Weekend events at Obama Center

Field Level Media|published: Wed 8th July, 14:42 2026

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) loses the ball against Phoenix Mercury forward Noemie Brochant (1) on Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77.

All-Star Weekend in the WNBA features three staple events at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side.

The WNBA announced plans to be the first professional sports league to utilize the nearly 20-acre campus in Jackson Park for All-Star media day, All-Star Game practice, changemaker day, WNBA Day and Shooting Star competition as part of the weekend with other familiar staples -- a 3-Point Contest on Friday, July 24 at Wintrust Arena and the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday, July 25 at United Center -- at larger venues in the city.

"Hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center is a true honor and reflects our commitment to creating connection through basketball and engaging communities in meaningful ways," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. "We're excited to bring together the WNBA family and the greater Chicago community to create memorable experiences at this historic new venue."

Barring a late injury replacement, the host Chicago Sky will not have a player in the All-Star Game.

The Obama Center features a regulation-size WNBA court, labeled as Home Court, where the events primarily will be staged.

Valerie Jarrett, CEO at The Obama Foundation, welcomed the league to Chicago and said, "At the Center, we believe sports have the power to bring people together and create meaningful opportunities to build the next generation of leaders."

--Field Level Media

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