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The WNBA All-Star Game returns to Chicago this weekend, giving the city another chance to show off as one of the country's premier sports destinations.
Why it matters: Chicago becomes the center of the women's basketball world this weekend, with thousands of visitors, national TV exposure and another boost to the city's growing sports tourism industry.
State of play: The WNBA has exploded in popularity since Chicago last hosted the game in 2022, fueled by stars including Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson and former Sky standout Angel Reese.
- TV ratings, attendance and sponsorship revenue have all surged since then.
- Several luminaries are expected to attend Saturday's game at the United Center, including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
What they're saying: "Marquee live sports events like the WNBA All-Star Weekend are major drivers of both visitation and visibility for Chicago, and sports tourism generates over a billion dollars in economic impact for our city annually," the Chicago Sports Commission's Kara Bachman tells Axios.
- "Chicago benefits tremendously from the media value that we receive through broadcasts that showcase our iconic venues, architecture, lakefront, and neighborhoods. Few cities in the world can host live sports at the level that Chicago can."
Flashback: The atmosphere of the game will be dramatically different from when Chicago last held it, says Sarah Spain, host of the podcast "Good Game With Sarah Spain."
- "In 2022, there weren't as many major activations, opportunities for sponsor involvement, and the ability to use the city's top venues and facilities," Spain says.
Zoom in: Spain points out that this year is all about the upgrades. The game itself will be at the United Center, and some of the ancillary events, like the 3-point contest, will take place at Wintrust Arena.
- Even the practice facilities are getting a makeover: In 2022, practices were held at the Malcolm X College athletic complex. This year they're being held at the Obama Presidential Center.
- "The WNBA is more popular than ever, and Chicago gets the chance to play host to live shows, conferences, events and parties featuring the very best current and former players, legends of the game, celebrities, music artists and top-notch journalists," Spain says.
Yes, but: While Chicago gets the spotlight, the hometown Sky head into the break after another disappointing first half.
- The team traded Reese in the offseason and sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
- Off the court, Skylar Diggins publicly questioned her reduced role before landing on the injured list with a knee injury, while the team's long-promised practice facility continues to face delays.
Zoom out: This weekend gives Chicago another chance to show it can host one of sports' biggest events before baseball's All-Star Game comes to Wrigley Field next summer.
If you go: It's not just the game. There are several events all over the city this weekend. "If you didn't get an invite to a party or two yet, you better ask someone who knows someone," Spain says. "This weekend is gonna be absolutely crawling with ways to have a good time."
The bottom line: The WNBA's biggest weekend isn't just a showcase for the league — it's another opportunity for Chicago to prove it remains one of America's great sports cities.
