The Chicago Sky released the initial plans on July 25, 2024, before breaking ground on the project later that fall in October 2024. The organization unveiled plans for a refreshed court ahead of the season, but with no visible progress and WNBA All-Star Weekend bringing the league’s biggest stars and national attention to Chicago, the long-promised update has yet to materialize.

The delay extends beyond the court. The Chicago Sky’s highly anticipated 80,000-square-foot practice facility in Bedford Park has also fallen behind schedule. Originally expected to open in December 2025, the project has been pushed back after construction costs climbed to $60 million and the site experienced construction setbacks, including flooding. As a result, the Sky continue to use temporary training facilities, and the new practice center was ultimately removed as a host venue for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend.

For the first time, the Obama Presidential Center will act as a primary anchor for All-Star festivities. The partnership highlights a shared vision of leadership and empowerment.

“Chicago has always delivered when the spotlight is brightest,” said Nadia Rawlinson, Co-Chair of the Host Committee and Co-Owner of the Chicago Sky. “We’re especially honored to host our signature events at the Obama Presidential Center, an institution that embodies leadership, possibility, and the power to inspire future generations.”

The centerpiece of the week’s professional programming will be the All-Star Media & Innovation Summit, taking place Thursday, July 23, at the Obama Presidential Center’s “Home Court”. The invitation-only event is built around the theme “From Participation to Power”, framing women’s basketball not only as a growing sport, but as a force reshaping media, business, culture, and influence.

Far more than a traditional conference, the summit is designed as a deep dive into how the women’s game is being amplified, commercialized, and positioned for long-term growth. Panels will examine topics ranging from the “Next Ownership Wave” to the “Science of Her Game”, highlighting the expanding ecosystem surrounding women’s sports, from investment and media rights to athlete performance and brand-building.

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation, echoed that sentiment, noting that the Center is the perfect backdrop for a week dedicated to mentorship and connection.

“We believe in the importance of sports… to create positive change,” Jarrett stated.

The speaker lineup reflects the summit’s broad cultural reach, bringing together influential voices from sports, media, business, and design. Among the featured participants are Candace Parker, WNBA legend and Host Committee Co-Chair; Cari Champion, renowned CNN host and broadcast journalist; Sarah Spain, iHeart Women’s Sports Director; Wanji Walcott, Pinterest Chief Legal Officer; and Domo Wells, Creative Director and Designer.

Together, the summit is positioned as one of the signature professional events of All-Star Week, offering a platform for leaders across industries to discuss how women’s basketball is evolving from a game into a powerful driver of culture, commerce, and community.

While the icons meet in boardrooms, the Host Committee is ensuring the youth of Chicago feel the energy on the ground. Through the “Line ’Em Up” initiative, the WNBA is expanding access by bringing professional-grade 3-point lines to community courts.

Activations at Foster (Frank) Park and Robichaux (Joseph) Park will provide over 200 local youth with skills development and mentorship from Host Committee Ambassadors. Adding to the buzz, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is expected to make a “major announcement” during the Foster Park event on Tuesday, July 21.

The All-Star weekend is also putting its money where its mouth is regarding economic empowerment. On Saturday, July 25, the Women’s Small Business Cohort Pitch Competition will take place at the Metropolitan Club.

Twelve selected female entrepreneurs have spent four weeks sharpening their business models. The stakes? Four participants will walk away with $20,000 each to scale their businesses, courtesy of the Chicago Sky Foundation and Lendistry.

The 2026 All-Star weekend is a victory lap for a city that has become the epicenter of the women’s sports revolution. From the Host Committee Golf Classic at Harborside International to the final buzzer at the All-Star Game, Chicago is setting the blueprint for what a host city should look like.

Fans looking to be part of history can purchase tickets for the main events on July 24 and 25 by visiting WNBA.com/allstar/2026. For more updates on the culture and community surrounding the game, head to 2026wnbaallstar.com.

Stay tuned to The Hype Magazine for more updates on the intersection of sports, music, and Chicago culture.

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