The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago will play a central role in the upcoming 2026 WNBA All-Star events, marking the first time a professional sports league has hosted major gatherings at the center. The activities are scheduled for July 24 and will bring together players, fans, and community members to participate in basketball-related events aimed at promoting women’s leadership and community engagement.
Located at 6001 S. Stony Island Avenue, the newly opened center will serve as a key venue during the All-Star Weekend. The majority of the events will take place in Home Court, the center’s 60,000-square-foot athletic facility, which includes regulation-sized basketball courts and multipurpose rooms.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that hosting the All-Star events at the Obama Center reflects a shared commitment to connecting communities through basketball while creating meaningful experiences. “We’re excited to bring together the WNBA family and the greater Chicago community,” Engelbert said.
Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation, highlighted the alignment between the league’s activities and the center’s broader mission of fostering leadership and community building through sports. “We are thrilled to welcome the WNBA as our first professional sports league hosted at the Obama Presidential Center,” Jarrett commented.
Among the scheduled events is the third annual WNBA Changemaker Day, which will feature collaborations between league sponsors, the Chicago Sky, Chicago Public Schools, and the Girls Opportunity Alliance. Another highlight, Jr. WNBA Day, will offer basketball clinics, leadership panels, STEM workshops, vision-board sessions, and other programs designed to inspire and engage girls across the city through sports and education.
In addition to the activities at the Obama Center, the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is set for July 25 at the United Center. Complementary events, including the WNBA 3-Point Contest and the WNBA Shooting Stars competition, will take place on July 24 at Wintrust Arena.
This partnership underscores the growing emphasis on using sports as a platform for empowerment and community involvement, reflecting both organizations’ commitments to leadership development and inclusive opportunities.