WNBA Taps Chicago to Host 2026 All-Star Game Amid Angel Reese’s Rising Profile
The Women’s National Basketball Association has officially selected Chicago as the host city for its 2026 All-Star Game, a decision that places a significant spotlight on Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese. This announcement follows the league’s move to hold the 2025 All-Star event in Indiana, home of the Indiana Fever and Reese’s celebrated rival, Caitlin Clark, signaling a clear strategy to leverage the drawing power of its newest stars.
The 2026 mid-season showcase will take place at the United Center, the renowned home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. This marks a strategic continuation of the WNBA’s efforts to highlight the individual popularity of players who are driving unprecedented attention to the sport. The selection of Chicago directly acknowledges the immense fan base and marketability of Reese, who has rapidly become one of the league’s most recognizable figures since being drafted.
Official Confirmation and League Vision
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert formalized the decision, expressing enthusiasm for bringing the event back to a city with a rich basketball history. “The WNBA is thrilled to bring the AT&T WNBA All-Star back to Chicago, which will undoubtedly deliver unforgettable competition and community outreach,” Engelbert stated. She emphasized the collaborative effort with the local franchise, adding, “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.”
The All-Star weekend festivities will extend beyond the main game, featuring fan-favorite events such as the 3-Point Contest and the WNBA Skills Challenge. The specific players participating in these competitions will be determined based on performance during the initial part of the 2026 WNBA season.
Echoing the league’s excitement, Chicago Sky CEO and President Adam Fox celebrated the news and its implications for the city and the franchise. “The Chicago Sky are thrilled to welcome the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game back to Chicago. We can’t wait to build on the success of the previous All-Star Game and celebrate the explosive growth of the league by showcasing the WNBA’s biggest stars on a world-class stage,” Fox said. He also highlighted the city’s appeal, stating, “We are so excited to welcome fans from around the globe to the WNBA All-Star Game in our beautiful city with its storied basketball legacy. We are appreciative of everyone who worked with us to make this event happen.”
A Tale of Two Stars: Clark and Reese
The back-to-back hosting decisions for Indiana and Chicago underscore the profound impact that Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have had on the league. Both players entered the WNBA in the 2024 draft, with Clark selected as the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever and Reese chosen with the No. 7 pick by the Chicago Sky. Their well-documented rivalry, which began in college, captivated the sports world and fueled a surge in viewership and engagement throughout their rookie seasons.
Clark ultimately secured the Rookie of the Year award, and the WNBA’s decision to award the 2025 All-Star Game to Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse was widely seen as a move to capitalize on her immense popularity. During that 2025 event, Clark was sidelined by an injury, while Reese was named an All-Star, though not as a starter. Now, by bringing the 2026 event to Chicago, the league is providing a parallel platform for Reese, recognizing that her star power is equally vital to the WNBA’s expansion and cultural footprint.
Reese’s On-Court Production and Off-Court Influence
Despite a challenging 2025 season for the Chicago Sky, who finished with a 10-34 record that was joint-worst in the league, Angel Reese delivered a statistically impressive performance. She averaged 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Her efficiency was also notable, as she shot 45.8 percent from the field and posted a true shooting percentage of 53.7 percent. Reese has expressed her hopes that the Sky will strengthen its roster to become more competitive in her third season.
Beyond the basketball court, Reese’s influence is rapidly growing. The 23-year-old is building a powerful personal brand that transcends sports. A major milestone in her burgeoning career outside of basketball was her recent participation in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Speaking to PEOPLE magazine before the event, Reese shared her excitement about the opportunity. “I literally could not stop smiling!” she said. “It’s such a surreal and full-circle moment.”
She elaborated on the personal significance of the achievement, stating, “Just last year, I was in the audience, manifesting being on that runway, completely inspired and in awe of all the powerful women walking down the runway, and now I get to return as an Angel. This will be an unforgettable night that I’ll forever be grateful for.”
Reese also framed the experience as a source of inspiration for others. “I hope I can inspire women and girls everywhere and remind them that we can dominate in our field but also chase our goals outside of it — and for me, that’s getting to walk down fashion and entertainment’s most iconic runway.” This crossover success further solidifies her status as a cultural figure and validates the WNBA’s strategy to invest in its most marketable personalities.
