As Chicago prepares to host the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, the WNBA recently announced it will also host “several marquee events” at the newly inaugurated Obama Presidential Center.
It will be the first professional sports league to host events at the center.
“We’re excited to bring together the WNBA family and the greater Chicago community to create memorable experiences at this historic new venue,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a press release.
The league announced the center will serve as a featured venue for various activities as it looks to bring together players, WNBA fans and community members to celebrate “basketball, culture, community impact, and connection.”
“At the Center, we believe sports have the power to bring people together and create meaningful opportunities to build the next generation of leaders,” Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation, said in a statement.
The WNBA will host three events on July 24, with most events taking place at the center’s athletic building, Home Court:
AT&T WNBA All-Star Media Day and Practice: This will be the first time an All-Star practice will be held “at a venue of this kind.”
2026 WNBA Changemaker Day: For the third annual Changemaker Day, WNBA Changemakers will collaborate with the Chicago Sky, Chicago Public Schools and The Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance.
Jr. WNBA Day: AT&T and the WNBA will host programming designed to inspire girls through basketball, leadership and learning. Featured activities throughout the day will include a basketball fundamentals clinic, a vision board workshop, STEM activities, panel discussions and more.
On Friday, the Chicago Sky announced the center would also host two of the Chicago All-Star 2026 Host Committee’s week-long events, including the Host Committee VIP Reception on July 21 and the invitation-only All-Star Media & Innovation Summit on July 23. They will bring together individuals in the sports, business, media, technology and philanthropy fields.
Additional details on programming at the center, and for the community, will be announced at a later date.
The center was inaugurated almost a month ago, with an opening ceremony on June 18, and since then has hosted events such as its Grand Opening Weekend and The People’s Fourth.
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is set for 7:30 p.m. on July 25 at the United Center.