The WNBA announced on Wednesday that it would become the first professional sports league to host events at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center, a 19.3-acre campus located in Chicago’s historic Jackson Park on the South Side, over its upcoming All-Star Weekend.
“Hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center is a true honor and reflects our commitment to creating connection through basketball and engaging communities in meaningful ways,” league Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “We’re excited to bring together the WNBA family and the greater Chicago community to create memorable experiences at this historic new venue.”
“We are thrilled to welcome the WNBA as our first professional sports league hosted at the Obama Presidential Center,” Valerie Jarrett, CEO at The Obama Foundation, said. “At the Center, we believe sports have the power to bring people together and create meaningful opportunities to build the next generation of leaders.”
WNBA to Become First Professional Sports League to Host Events at the New Obama Presidential Center pic.twitter.com/dqqjq4tl1r
— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) July 8, 2026
Marquee events held at the center will include AT&T WNBA All-Star Media Day and Practice, 2026 WNBA Changemaker Day, and WNBA Day, a day of programming intended to “inspire girls through basketball, leadership, and learning.”
Per the league’s press release, most of these events will take place in the Center’s Home Court, a dynamic space for play, wellness, and youth engagement featuring a regulation WNBA court.
The State Farm WNBA 3-Point Contest and Kia WNBA Shooting Stars will take place on Friday, July 24 at Wintrust Arena, and the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will take place on Saturday, July 25 at United Center.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.