“The WNBA is thrilled to bring AT&T WNBA All-Star back to Chicago, which will undoubtedly deliver unforgettable competition and community outreach. Together with the Chicago Sky, we look forward to celebrating the game’s brightest stars, engaging WNBA fans around the world, and showcasing the energy of one of basketball’s most iconic cities.” When Cathy Engelbert released this statement, fans were confused for various reasons.

First, why release a statement when the future of the league itself is still uncertain? No one knows if the WNBPA and the WNBA will reach a CBA agreement, and if they don’t meet the October 31st deadline, or fail to secure an extension, the league could enter a lockout.

Second, why Chicago? The Sky just finished with the second-worst record in the league–so why give them a chance to host the All-Star Game again so soon after 2022? There were plenty of other worthy candidates. Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles seats 20,000, yet the Sparks have never hosted a WNBA All-Star Game.

Seattle, with an 18,300-seat arena, hasn’t hosted since 2017. Minnesota, with a 20,000-seat venue, last hosted in 2018. New York, at 18,000 seats, hasn’t hosted since 2006 at Madison Square Garden. Even Golden State, playing at the 18,000-capacity Chase Center, just hosted the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. Choosing Chicago for the second time in four years does seem odd.

This article will dissect why hosting the  All-Star Game in Chicago is a questionable decision, while also exploring some of the reasons that might make it a reasonable choice.

The Downsides of Hosting the WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago

The last time Chicago hosted the All-Star Game, the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Shootout were held at a convention center, which catered to only a select few; most fans had to watch on TV screens set up in a courtyard. Meanwhile, the games themselves took place at Wintrust Arena, home of the Sky, which has a capacity of 10,387. This setup dampened the excitement for many, and it looks like the WNBA is planning to follow the same approach once again.

Since Wintrust Arena can’t accommodate large crowds, the WNBA has moved the All-Star Game to the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls, which seats 21,000. But strangely enough, Friday night’s Skills Challenge will still take place at Wintrust.

Meanwhile, the All-Star Village with WNBA Live will be at McCormick Place, six miles away, and the Community Events will be held in Bedford Park around the Wintrust Sports Complex, where the Sky’s new practice facility is located. With all the travel between venues and limited seating at some events, the All-Star weekend risks losing the lively, festival-like energy that fans expect.

Then there’s the matter of safety, which is a major concern for fans. Chicago has led all U.S. cities in homicides every year since 2012, recording 573 in 2024 alone, according to Al Jazeera. With numbers like that, it’s understandable why many fans might hesitate to travel with their families for the event and wonder why the WNBA is taking a risk by hosting the event in Chicago. But there are a few positives as well…

The Upsides of Hosting the WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago

Well, the obvious reason is money. All-Star weekends are a huge economic win for any city lucky enough to host them. They bring in fans from across the country, boost tourism, and fill hotels, restaurants, and local shops. Beyond the dollars, it’s also about exposure. The city gets national attention for an entire weekend. For Chicago, it won’t be any different.

Look at Indiana, for example. They hosted the Indiana Black Expo alongside the WNBA All-Star Weekend this year at the Indiana Convention Center, a move that paid off big time.

Indiana University Kelley School of Business faculty member Phil Powell estimated that the combined events brought in at least $10 million to the local economy. These kinds of weekends don’t just fill hotel rooms; they put the city on the map as a thriving sports and entertainment hub. Hosting major events like these helps a city establish itself as a global sports leader, not that Chicago needs much help there, but it’s another reminder of how powerful the All-Star weekend can be when done right.

But this also gives the Chicago Sky a chance to show fans what’s coming next. The franchise is currently building a $38 million practice facility, set to open in 2026. The upcoming All-Star Weekend could double as a preview of what’s in store. A modern complex featuring 16 volleyball courts, an arcade, a laser tag arena, and a meeting and event space. It’s a move that mirrors what the Phoenix Mercury did during the 2024 All-Star festivities, when they unveiled their brand-new facility to fans and players alike.

But there will always be the lingering “Why Chicago?” question. Typically, the All-Star Game is awarded to teams that not only have the infrastructure to host such a major event but also strong form on the court, something the Sky have lacked after back-to-back disappointing seasons outside the playoffs. Still, the league clearly sees value in bringing the spotlight back to the Windy City.

Are you okay with Chicago hosting the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!