WNBA Becomes First Pro League To Partner With Obama Presidential Center

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The WNBA is planning to host a portion of its upcoming All-Star festivities in Chicago at the newly built Obama Presidential Center on the city’s South Side. The women’s basketball league becomes the first professional league to host marquee events at the historical center, which opened in June 2026.

The WNBA Is Hosting Several All-Star Events At The Newly Built Obama Presidential Center In ChicagoUNRIVALED

According to a new WNBA press release, several of the league’s upcoming All-Star festivities will take place at the Obama Presidential Center, bringing together players, fans, and community members for an unmatched experience that honors the game of basketball while celebrating culture, community, and impact.

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“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,” said WNBA 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.”

The Obama Presidential Center Is ‘Thrilled’ To Host The WNBA During All-Star Weekend In Mid-July

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The new Obama Presidential Center is in the heart of Chicago’s Jackson Park neighborhood on the city’s South Side. According to a previous report from The Blast, the historic center features an interactive museum, a library, public outdoor spaces, and a sprawling athletic facility that includes an NBA regulation-size court with intersecting practice courts and flexible seating.

The center opened during Juneteenth weekend and was created to “inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.”

Valerie Jarrett, CEO at The Obama Foundation, also commented on the center’s upcoming partnership with the WNBA and said they were “thrilled” about the collaboration. “At the Center, we believe sports have the power to bring people together and create meaningful opportunities to build the next generation of leaders,” she added.

What Events Are Taking Place At The Obama Presidential Center In Chicago?

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The WNBA’s marquee events will kick off on Friday, July 24, and will include AT&T WNBA All-Star Media Day and Practice. This will also be the first time an All-Star practice will be held at a venue of its kind.

Additionally, the third annual WNBA Changemaker Day will also be held at the Obama Presidential Center in collaboration with the Chicago Sky, Chicago Public Schools, and the Girls Opportunity Alliance.

Lastly, the WNBA will celebrate the All-Star game with Jr. WNBA Day, a day of programming designed to inspire girls through basketball, leadership, and learning.

WNBA All-Star Drama

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According to a previous report from The Blast, there was some drama surrounding the WNBA All-Star starters list, which included Paige Bueckers, Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Jessica Shepard, Aaliyah Boston, Gabby Williams, and Natasha Howard.

Many assumed Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese would’ve been named a starter over another player mentioned above, given that she currently leads the league in rebounds and is one of two players averaging a double-double this season.

However, Reese seemed prepared for the snub, saying, “I expect to be disrespected.” It was the absence of her teammates, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, though, that really rubbed her the wrong way.

“For those two, though, I think they work so hard, and they put a lot of work in, and the way that they’re guarded every game and they [have to] adjust. The reason why we’re where we are is because of those two,” she said.

Reese assured the media, though, that she wasn’t too concerned with the starter’s list, saying, “I’m sure we’re still going to be All-Stars. I have no doubt in my mind that we still will be, but I think it is important to note that none of us were starters on a team that has had so much success this year.”

Reese, Gray, And Howard Named All-Star Reserves

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Reese was right. On July 7, 2026, the WNBA announced the remaining All-Stars, including Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike, Kiki Iriagan, Jonquel Jones, and Dominique Malonga.

Reese, Gray, and Howard will join them, along with Sonia Citron, Marina Mabrey, Kelsey Plum, Courtney Williams, and Jackie Young.

The All-Star game will tip off on Saturday, July 25, at 8:30 PM ET on ABC.

The WNBA Becomes First Pro League To Partner With Obama Presidential Center first appeared on The Blast

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