WNBA to host All-Star Weekend events at Obama Center

The WNBA will hold several events during its 2026 All-Star Weekend at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side, marking the first time a professional sports league has used the nearly 20-acre campus in Jackson Park.

The league announced that All-Star media day, All-Star Game practice, Changemaker Day, WNBA Day, and the Shooting Star competition will take place at the Obama Presidential Center. The weekend's other marquee events will remain at larger venues across the city, with the 3-Point Contest scheduled for Friday, July 24, at Wintrust Arena and the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday, July 25, at the United Center.

"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."

The host Chicago Sky are not expected to have a player in the All-Star Game unless a late injury replacement is named.

The Obama Presidential Center features a regulation-size WNBA basketball court, known as Home Court, which will serve as the primary venue for the events held on the campus.

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation, welcomed the league to Chicago, saying the center believes sports can unite communities and inspire the next generation of leaders.

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend is expected to showcase the league's top talent while highlighting one of Chicago's newest landmark destinations. -Field Level Media/Reuters