2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend Set for Chicago

Main Arena Events and Timing

The 2026 WNBA All‑Star Weekend will run from July 24‑25 in Chicago. The State Farm three‑point contest and Kia Skills Challenge are slated for Friday at 8 p.m. ET inside Wintrust Arena. Saturday’s All‑Star Game tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET at the United Center.

Fan Festival: WNBA Live Presented by AWS

WNBA Live, the league’s official fan festival, occupies McCormick Place from July 23 through July 25. The event gathers 34 partners and licensees for basketball, technology, retail and player interaction. Highlights include Ally’s Savings Bucket Challenge arcade, American Express shooting drills, Capella University trivia games and Google Pixel’s “Hoop Dreams” experience. ESPN recreates its SportsCenter desk and showcases three decades of WNBA history throughout the festival.

Shopping and Interactive Merchandise Zones

Visitors can explore the Rank & Rally official store for All‑Star gear, while Coach, Playa Society, Pro Standard, Round21 and Xfinity provide exclusive apparel and customization stations. Youth fans will find outfits at Outerstuff, and Panini distributes digital trading cards plus autographed memorabilia. Giveaways and branded items are available from Ally, DoorDash and Procter & Gamble at various activation points.

Player Appearances and Special Access

WNBA stars will appear at venues hosted by Ally, DoorDash, Kia, Playa Society, Pro Standard, La Crema and Xfinity. WNBA ID members receive early entry and a special gift, while American Express cardholders enjoy dedicated entrance lanes. Bumble recreates its Orange Carpet photo setup, and KultureCity supplies trained volunteers and a mobile sensory room for guests with sensory needs.

Youth Development and Education

The NBA and FIBA run the Women’s Basketball Without Borders All‑Star Camp skills challenge and three‑point contest, featuring young athletes from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. Jr. WNBA programming includes a girls’ basketball clinic and a panel on the benefits and challenges of sport participation. Skechers hosts a free clinic for Chicago Sky Academy participants, and State Street presents a live discussion with WNBA rookies moderated by Lisa Leslie.

Additional Chicago‑Based Events

The Queens of the Court panel takes place Saturday, July 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT at 167 Green, moderated by Ari Chambers and featuring Dawn Staley, Diana Taurasi and Raven Johnson. Togethxr House opens July 24‑25, offering podcast tapings, fitness sessions and a skills challenge from noon to 5 p.m. CT. Unrivaled Coffee Club runs Friday at Drip Collective, showcasing Marina Mabrey, Napheesa Collier, Olivia Miles and Flau’jae Johnson with themed drinks and exclusive merch.

Entertainment and Networking Opportunities

Megan Rapinoe’s “Why Are You Like This?” podcast records live on July 24 at 5 p.m. CT at 167 Green, with Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve as a guest. A comedy jam titled Starting Lineup All‑Star on July 23 at Thalia Hall features former WNBA players Sydney Johnson and Theresa Plaisance as special guests. Off the Court, a free player‑led business fair, gathers on July 23 at 2015 S Laflin St., highlighting women’s sports entrepreneurs.

Source and Coverage

This guide draws from the original report published on Forbes.com, ensuring the details reflect official league announcements. Both arenas host different contests during the weekend, and the festival aims to blend athletic competition with cultural programming across the city.