When the WNBA initially announced that 2026 All-Star weekend would emanate from Chicago, one had to believe the W would make excellent use of one of the Windy City’s newest landmarks.
That new landmark is – of course – the Obama Presidential Center. It is a massive campus on Chicago’s South Side dedicated to Barack and Michelle Obama. One of its unique features is full size basketball court – an ode to Obama’s strong passion for hoops.
Prior to All-Star practice, rumors began swirling around the South Side that a special guest would make a grand appearance. Needless to say, one did not think hard to guess who that special guest was.
Obama also joined ninth grade girls that were participating in the WNBA’s Changemaker program. An event was held at the Elie Wiesel Auditorium which is also part of the Center.
The former president mentioned that while he would not be able to attend Sunday evening’s game itself at the United Center that he wanted to meet this year’s All-Stars and acknowledge their on-court heroics.
Obama also quipped during his remarks to the All-Stars that he no longer runs full court – he is close to his 65th birthday, after all.
While the 44th president’s cameo appearance at WNBA All-Star practice is certainly a highlight of highlights for this weekend, it is safe to say that the entirety of Chicago is caught up in All-Star fever. Or is it…All-Star sky?
WNBA Live
One of the signature features of every All-Star weekend is WNBA Live. It certainly occupied much more space than it did four years ago when Chicago last hosted an All-Star weekend.
In 2022, a sliver of real estate outside of the McCormick Convention Center accounted for WNBA Live. The 2026 version would include the entirety of one of its buildings. Fittingly enough, WNBA Live is also adjacent to another marquee sports event that takes place in Chicago every year – the Nike Nationals Tournament of Champions.
As the official apparel partner of the WNBA, it has seamlessly incorporated the Nike Nationals into its All-Star festivities whenever they are in Chicago. In 2022 when All-Star Friday emanated from the McCormick Convention Center, the Skills Challenge included a WNBA All-Star and a top standout competing in the Nike Nationals. A Nike Nationals participant will also be part of this year’s Shooting Stars competition.
WNBA Live this year includes an ESPN Sports Center experience, many pop-ups from the W’s corporate sponsors and – the Orange Carpet.
O’Hare and Midway International Airports
The most recent All-Star weekend we at Beyond The W were at was in 2024 in Phoenix. PHX Airport was all dressed in its WNBA best.
O’Hare International Airport may not have been dressed in the same WNBA livery as was the case with Phoenix, but those flying Delta certainly got the message that All-Star was in town. After all, Delta recently inked a sponsorship deal with the W and those flying from its hubs such as Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Boston, Seattle or New York’s JFK or LaGuardia Airports certainly got the message.
Chicago Gospel Music Festival
Speaking of Windy City vibes, All-Star weekend is also taking place when another major event is happening in the Second City.
The Chicago Gospel Music Festival is taking place for two days – Friday and Saturday at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park. The Friday portion of the music gathering is set to take place from 5:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the Saturday part of the festival will occur from noon to 9 p.m.
Those scheduled for the festival include Neicy Robertson, Jabari Johnson, Bishop William Murphy, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, DJ Sam Williams, Sidney Buckner, Y.I.U., LeNasia Tyson, Johari McGhee, Daniel X Smith & New St. Matthew MBC, Tim White, Ricky Dillard, New G, Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir.
Canadian Fires
Chicago was extremely fortunate that All-Star weekend is taking place the final weekend of July – because a week ago, the city was engulfed in smoke.
A huge story of the month were massive wildfires that has had much of northern Ontario in flames. The smoke from the fires had a negative effect on many cities in the northeast and the Midwest – including Chicago.
The air quality a week ago as deemed unhealthy – and especially a risk for those with cardiovascular problems. Air quality appears to have returned to normal in many cities – and hopefully those fighting the fires in Ontario are also faring well.
Summertime Chi
While Chicago winters are not exactly those that even locals look forward to, many will opine that there is no better city to spend a summer in than the Windy City.
With summertime temperatures in the 70s, there is a reason as to why tourism spikes in the Second City during the summer months.
Grant Park is especially a sight to behold during the summer – and a recommended spot for couples. Imagine you and that special someone taking a nice stroll (especially at night) through Grant Park with the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan in the background? Can someone say romantic?
Food
Of course, when one thinks Chicago, one must think about the food offered throughout the city.
The Second City is known far and wide for its deep-dish pizza which one can certainly find at a place like Giordano’s. Similar to how one must try a cheesesteak when one strolls through Philadelphia, one must try one of Chicago’s famous hot dogs.
Harold’s is a popular fried chicken spot that is also a staple of the City of Broad Shoulders that we certainly recommend. There is no shortage of excellent food options in Chicago – all one must do is find the time to give each one a try.
The One
If there is one athlete that may be synonymous with Chicago more than anything else, it is Michael Jordan. Of course His Airness’ Jordan Brand would stage an event in the Windy City during All-Star weekend.
The One is in its third year and is an international initiative by Jordan Brand to find top-tier girls and boys basketball talent. The tournament is open to girls and boys aged 14-18 and is all about a simple concept – one-on-one basketball.
Participants vie for an opportunity to be in the Global Finals in Shanghai next month. The event emanated from the Chicago Board of Trade building.
Another All-Star Game Coming to Chicago
Around this same time next year, another type of All-Star festivities is slated to take over Chicago.
Said All-Star Game is of the Major League Baseball kind. In 2027, the historic friendly confines of Wrigley Field (and its surrounding Gallagher Way) will host MLB’s All-Stars.
The home field of the Chicago Cubs last was the host of All-Star week in 1990.
Of course, the chatter around MLB relates to if there will even be an All-Star Game in 2027 because of an ongoing CBA dispute (sound familiar?) between the owners and the MLBPA.
Let us say there will be an All-Star Game in MLB in 2027. Perhaps the Cubbies are taking notes from the W’s All-Star festivities.
