​The WNBA revealed on Wednesday that it will become the first professional sports league to host events at the Obama Presidential Center, the new 19.3-acre campus situated in Chicago’s historic Jackson Park on the South Side. The landmark decision will bring the league’s All-Star Weekend into a bold new setting, merging top-tier women’s basketball with the cultural and educational aspirations represented by the center. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated that hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center is a true honor and underscores the league’s mission to create meaningful connections through basketball while actively engaging communities. She emphasized the excitement of uniting the WNBA family with the broader Chicago community to deliver memorable experiences at this historic venue.
Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming the WNBA as the first professional sports league to use the center as a hosting hub. Jarrett noted that the Obama Presidential Center embodies the belief that sports possess the power to bring people together and generate opportunities that help cultivate the next generation of leaders. The collaboration is positioned as a bridge between athletics, education, and leadership development, aligning with the foundation’s broader goals of community empowerment and youth advancement.
Key events scheduled around this collaboration include AT&T WNBA All-Star Media Day and Practice, the 2026 WNBA Changemaker Day, and WNBA Day—an initiative designed to inspire girls through basketball, leadership, and learning. According to the league’s press release, the majority of these marquee activities will be staged within the Center’s Home Court. This versatile space is designed to support play, wellness, and youth engagement and features a regulation-size WNBA court, underscoring the Center’s commitment to athletic excellence and community-oriented programming.
In addition to the events at the Obama Presidential Center, the weekend will feature other notable competitions at established venues in the Chicago area. The State Farm WNBA 3-Point Contest and the Kia WNBA Shooting Stars will take place on Friday, July 24, at Wintrust Arena, offering fans a chance to witness sharpshooting and entertaining challenges that highlight the league’s skill and flair. Following these events, the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at United Center, ensuring a marquee finish to the weekend with a showcase of top-tier talent and competitive play.
This collaboration marks a historic moment for the WNBA, the Obama Presidential Center, and the city of Chicago, signaling a shared commitment to leveraging sport as a platform for community engagement, leadership development, and empowerment across generations. The announcement signals a broader trend of landmark partnerships that blend athletics with civic and educational initiatives, positioning women’s basketball at the heart of culturally significant venues and programs. As fans anticipate the All-Star Weekend, both the WNBA and organizers of the Obama Presidential Center emphasize the opportunity to create inclusive, memorable experiences that resonate beyond the court and into the surrounding communities. The partnership is expected to boost visibility for the league while highlighting the Center’s mission to inspire future leaders through sport, education, and public engagement.