WNBA All-Star Game puts Chicago back in the spotlight
The WNBA All-Star Game returns to Chicago this weekend at the United Center, putting the city at the center of women's basketball. Hall of Famers Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon drafted the rosters, with stars including Caitlin Clark and A'ja Wilson set for Saturday's nationally televised matchup on ABC.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game tip-off is Saturday, July 25, at Chicago's United Center on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET.
- Legends Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon selected Team Coop and Team Spoon from a pool of 22 All-Stars.
- Chicago last hosted in 2022; the league's popularity, TV ratings, and sponsorships have surged since then.
- Skills events include a 3-point contest at Wintrust Arena, with practices at the Obama Presidential Center.
- The hometown Sky enter the break near the bottom of the Eastern Conference after trading Angel Reese.
When and where is the WNBA All-Star Game?
The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will be played Saturday, July 25, at the United Center in Chicago and broadcast on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET, according to the WNBA.
Weekend events stretch beyond tip-off. The 3-point contest is set for Wintrust Arena, while practices move to the Obama Presidential Center — a step up from Malcolm X College facilities used when Chicago last hosted in 2022, Axios Chicago reports.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is among those expected to attend Saturday's game, adding civic star power to the league's biggest stage.
Who is on the All-Star rosters?
Cooper and Weatherspoon revealed their picks on ESPN during the 2026 WNBA All-Star Draft show. They chose from 10 starters and 12 reserves without regard to conference or position.
Team Spoon features Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Aliyah Boston, Jessica Shepard, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Jonquel Jones, Courtney Williams, Kiki Iriafen, and Nneka Ogwumike.
Team Coop counters with Paige Bueckers, Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Mitchell, Natasha Howard, Gabby Williams, Angel Reese, Marina Mabrey, Dominique Malonga, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Sonia Citron. Cooper was assigned top vote-getter Bueckers; Weatherspoon received Clark.
Why does All-Star Weekend matter for Chicago?
Chicago becomes the center of the women's basketball world this weekend, with thousands of visitors, national TV exposure, and another boost to sports tourism. The Chicago Sports Commission's Kara Bachman told Axios that marquee events like All-Star Weekend drive visitation and visibility, with sports tourism generating over a billion dollars in annual economic impact for the city.
Podcast host Sarah Spain said the atmosphere will feel dramatically different from 2022, with more activations, sponsor involvement, and access to the city's top venues. Still, the Sky head into the break after a disappointing first half — Reese was traded in the offseason, the club sits near the bottom of the East, and Skylar Diggins questioned her reduced role before a knee injury.
For more star-driven sports and entertainment coverage, visit our Celebrity Breaking News hub. The weekend also previews Chicago's next big host turn: baseball's All-Star Game at Wrigley Field next summer.