WNBA All-Star Game 2026: Where to Watch, Time, and Highlights

The best in women’s basketball gathered in Chicago for the 2026 All-Star Game WNBA weekend, a three-day event headlined by the All-Star Game on Saturday at the United Center. For fans looking to catch the action, here is everything you need to know about where to watch, the schedule, and the key moments from the weekend.

Where to Watch the 2026 All-Star Game WNBA

The All-Star Game tipped off on Saturday, July 25, at the United Center in Chicago. Broadcast details were provided by the league and local affiliates. For viewers outside the Chicago area, national television coverage was available through the WNBA's official broadcast partners, including ESPN and ABC. Streaming options were also accessible via the WNBA League Pass and other digital platforms, allowing fans to watch on mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs. Check your local listings for exact channel information and streaming availability in your region.

Friday Night Events: Shooting Stars and 3-Point Contest

The weekend kicked off on Friday, July 24, at Wintrust Arena with the Shooting Stars and 3-Point Contest. Fans packed the arena to watch the league's top shooters compete. The highlight of the evening came when Azzi Fudd made history by becoming the first rookie to win the 3-Point Contest. Her performance electrified the crowd and set the tone for a weekend of competitive basketball.

The Shooting Stars Challenge featured teams of current WNBA players and legends. Shakira Austin, Elena Delle Donne, and GG Banks took the title in a close competition, as reported by Yahoo Sports. The event showcased the depth of talent across the league and provided a warm-up for Saturday's main event.

WNBA Live Fan Fest at McCormick Place

Beyond the on-court competitions, the WNBA Live fan fest at McCormick Place drew significant crowds. Officials expected the event to host 30,000 attendees over the weekend. The fan fest offered interactive exhibits, player meet-and-greets, and merchandise stands, giving fans a chance to immerse themselves in the All-Star experience. The large turnout reflected the growing popularity of the league and the excitement surrounding the Chicago-hosted weekend.

Barack Obama Surprises All-Stars at Practice

One of the most memorable moments of the weekend came when former President Barack Obama surprised the All-Stars ahead of their practice session in Chicago. Obama addressed the players, saying, “I could not be a bigger fan.” His unexpected appearance energized the players and added a layer of prestige to the weekend's festivities. The moment was captured by photographers and quickly spread across social media, highlighting the crossover appeal of the WNBA.

Orange Carpet Event and Caitlin Clark's Absence

The traditional Orange Carpet event took place during the weekend, but Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was not in attendance. According to USA Today, the reason for her absence was not elaborated upon in the sources. Her absence did not detract from the overall excitement, as other All-Stars walked the carpet and engaged with fans and media.

Chicago Sky Left Watching from the Sidelines

While Chicago hosted the All-Star weekend, the hometown Chicago Sky were not participants in the game. A column from the Chicago Tribune noted that the Sky were left watching from the sidelines, a reminder that All-Star selection is based on individual performance and fan voting, not team location. Despite this, the city threw a stellar party, with fans and visitors enjoying the atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Workers Rehearse for MVP Trophy Presentation

Behind the scenes, workers rehearsed for the presentation of the WNBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player trophy at the United Center on July 25. The rehearsal ensured that the post-game ceremony would run smoothly, with rally towels placed on seats and staff preparing for the crowd. The MVP trophy presentation is always a highlight, and the league's attention to detail was evident.

Mounting Discord and Player Concerns

The All-Star festivities took place against a backdrop of mounting discord around the league. According to the Associated Press, scrutiny of the WNBA intensified as players voiced concerns about hateful online rhetoric. Players want teams to address this issue and for fans to focus on the basketball. The league's leadership, including Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, has acknowledged the challenges of hypergrowth while maintaining a positive environment. These issues loomed over the weekend, but the on-court action remained the primary focus for most attendees.

Heat Dome Expands Across Central US

Outside the arena, a heat dome was expanding across much of the central United States, pushing temperatures above 100 degrees from Dallas to North Dakota, as reported by the Associated Press. While Chicago was not directly in the most extreme zone, the heat wave added to the summer intensity of the weekend. Fans attending outdoor events were advised to stay hydrated and take precautions.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 All-Star Game WNBA weekend in Chicago demonstrated the league's continued growth and the passion of its fanbase. With historic performances, surprise appearances, and a vibrant fan fest, the event provided a platform for the league's stars to shine. As the WNBA navigates challenges both on and off the court, weekends like this remind everyone why the game matters. For those who missed the live action, replays and highlights are available through the league's official channels.