Return to the Windy City
After a three-year hiatus, the WNBA All-Star Game makes its highly anticipated return to Chicago. As the league commemorates its 30th anniversary, the city is set to host the All-Star festivities for the second time, promising a landmark experience for basketball fans.
The event will showcase a stellar lineup of talent, including household names such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers, and A'ja Wilson, all set to compete on the grand stage.
Event Schedule and Locations
The 2026 All-Star Game is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at the United Center in Chicago. While the city previously hosted the event in 2022 at Wintrust Arena, this year marks the debut of the United Center—home to the Bulls and Blackhawks—as the primary venue. With a seating capacity exceeding 23,000, it offers a significantly larger stage for the spectacle.
Key dates for the weekend include:
- Thursday, July 23: WNBA Live fan festival at McCormick Place (4–8 p.m. ET).
- Friday, July 24: WNBA Live continues (9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET), followed by Skills Night at Wintrust Arena at 8 p.m. ET, featuring the 3-point contest and Shooting Stars event.
- Saturday, July 25: Final day of WNBA Live (9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET), with the All-Star Game tipping off at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Draft Format and Team Rosters
This year’s edition introduced a unique selection process. General managers Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon oversaw the draft, with stars Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark designated as captains following a coin flip. The resulting rosters are as follows:
Team Cynthia Cooper: Paige Bueckers, Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Mitchell, Natasha Howard, Gabby Williams, Angel Reese, Marina Mabrey, Dominique Malonga, Kelsey Plum, Kaleah Copper, Jackie Young, and Sonia Citron.
Team Teresa Weatherspoon: Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Aliyah Boston, Jessica Shepard, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Jonquel Jones, Courtney Williams, Kiki Iriafen, and Nneka Ogumike.
Skills Competitions and Financial Incentives
The 3-Point Contest will feature sharpshooters including Bridget Carleton, Azzi Fudd, Natisha Hiedeman, Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey, and Janelle Salaün. Meanwhile, the Shooting Stars challenge pairs legends like Elena Delle Donne and Lauren Jackson with current stars such as Jessica Shepard and Courtney Williams.
The league has significantly increased the financial stakes for participants under the new CBA. Players earn $15,000 for participating in the main event, with the MVP receiving an extra $20,000. Supplemental prizes provided by Aflac further boost the winnings for both the 3-point contest and the skills competition.
Broadcast Information
Fans can catch the action on ABC and Disney+. Coverage begins with WNBA Countdown on ESPN and ABC thirty minutes prior to tip-off, with both networks providing post-game analysis.