Chicago is making a massive statement ahead of the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend, rolling out 13 brand new WNBA 3-point lines on community courts across the city. That’s more than any other place in the country, and talk about sending a message: city leaders are all-in on showing they’re the ultimate sports town, especially when it comes to women’s hoops. It’s not just about getting ready for the big game; this is about a long-term commitment to empower the next generation.
The “Girls Opportunity Alliance” Is Sparking Futures
Before the All-Star Game lights up the United Center, organizations across Chicago are going hard at prioritizing girls in sports. On Tuesday, the Obama Presidential Center wasn’t just rolling out the red carpet; they were opening doors for dozens of young girls, creating an event designed to light a fire in the next generation. We’re talking about an incredible lineup, too, with former Sky player Linnae Harper and Olympic medalist and bobsledder Aja Evans sharing their wisdom. The “Girls Opportunity Alliance” teamed up with After School Matters to host the whole thing, aiming for every single girl to leave feeling inspired and ready to conquer the “world of sports.” It’s no joke either, the Women’s Sports Foundation reports that 71% of girls who play youth sports later snag formal leadership roles as adults in business, civic life, and beyond. High school senior Mia Scott, a point-guard on her school’s team, summed it up perfectly, saying she’s learned she “could be a great leader” and gained “more confidence in myself and the things that I do.” That’s what it’s all about, right?
Mayor Johnson’s Game-Changing Move for the Kids
It’s clear leaders in Chicago get it. Mayor Brandon Johnson said it himself: this city is a place to highlight and lift up the WNBA, especially after 30 years of working to make sure women’s sports gets its due. And he’s backing it up big time. Beyond the 13 new 3-point lines the Chicago Sky and the park district teamed up on, the Mayor also announced he’s giving away 500 free tickets to the skills contest happening this Friday. Many of the girls who attended Tuesday’s event are already planning to take him up on that offer, which is just awesome to hear. It’s about way more than developing the next big player; it’s about developing the kind of confidence that keeps you showing up, even when success isn’t instant.
This is just the start of a huge weekend for the league and the city. The skills contest kicks off Friday, building up to the main event: the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. at the United Center. You gotta love seeing a city go all-in like this, not just for the pros, but for the future of the game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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