WNBA All-Star Game 2026: Chicago to host 30th anniversary event at United Center
Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers set to face off as league celebrates three decades with a move to a larger Chicago arena.
The Women’s National Basketball Association has confirmed that the 2026 All-Star Game will be held on Saturday, July 25, at the United Center in Chicago. The fixture marks a significant logistical shift for the league’s mid-season exhibition, moving from Wintrust Arena to the larger United Center, which boasts a capacity of over 23,000 spectators. This venue change coincides with the league’s 30th anniversary season, positioning the event as a central pillar of the organisation’s milestone celebrations.
This marks the second time Chicago has hosted All-Star Weekend, though the main game will now take place in a facility more than double the size of the previous host venue. The United Center, home to the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, represents a substantial increase in scale compared to Wintrust Arena, where the city last hosted the game in 2022. The decision to utilise a larger arena underscores the growing commercial and fan engagement metrics surrounding the league’s premier exhibition event.
The 2026 edition introduces a revised selection format for team composition. Honorary captains Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon have been appointed as general managers to draft the rosters. Top vote-getters Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were assigned to opposing sides following a coin toss, with Cooper and Weatherspoon subsequently selecting the remaining players for their respective teams. This draft-style approach replaces previous methods of team selection, aiming to enhance competitive balance and narrative interest ahead of the tip-off.
All-Star Weekend activities will commence on Thursday, July 23, with WNBA Live fan festivals at McCormick Place. The festival runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, followed by sessions from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET on both Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25. On Friday evening, Skills Night will take place at Wintrust Arena starting at 6 p.m. ET, featuring the Shooting Stars event and the 3-point contest, though participant lists for these competitions have not yet been released.
Media operations and player practices will be conducted at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center, which began operations in June. The All-Star Game itself is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. ET tip-off at the United Center. Broadcast coverage will be managed by ABC and Disney+, with pre-game analysis provided by WNBA Countdown on ESPN and ABC starting 30 minutes prior to the main event. The league has not yet disclosed prize money details for 2026, though previous years saw participation fees of $2,575 and an MVP award of $5,150.
