The Windy City is bracing for a crowd, as StubHub reported 2026 WNBA All-Star Game ticket sales are up 32% over last year’s record and nearly eight times higher than Chicago’s previous 2022 All-Star Game.

Fans are making the trip, with purchases spanning more than 40 states while 63% hail from outside Illinois.

The audience is both loyal and expanding, as two-thirds of buyers are repeat StubHub customers — the highest share of any All-Star Game to date — while nearly 80% have never purchased tickets to a Chicago sporting event.

The demand surges as StubHub deepens its investment in women’s sports with HerSportsHub, a curated marketplace designed to help fans find women’s sports tickets as the category booms.

The platform launched in March, coinciding with Women’s History Month, NWSL season kickoff, and USA Hockey’s Olympic gold medal win.

“We’re seeing fans embrace women’s sports like never before, whether they’re following their favorite teams all season or traveling for marquee events,” said Jill Gonzalez, StubHub’s head of consumer, product, and technology communications.

“That growing enthusiasm is exactly why we launched HerSportsHub.”

WNBA All-Star Weekend is returning to the Windy City, with the league announcing Thursday that it will hold the 2026 All-Star Game in Chicago next summer.

The game will tip off on Saturday, July 25th, inside the 20,917-seat United Center, while the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge will take place the night before at the 10,380-capacity Wintrust Arena, home to the Chicago Sky.

"The WNBA is thrilled to bring AT&T WNBA All-Star back to Chicago, which will undoubtedly deliver unforgettable competition and community outreach," said commissioner Cathy Engelbert in Thursday's statement. "Together with the Chicago Sky, we look forward to celebrating the game's brightest stars, engaging WNBA fans around the world, and showcasing the energy of one of basketball's most iconic cities."

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game will mark Chicago's second time hosting the midseason event after the 2022 edition landed in the Windy City.

"We can't wait to build on the success of the previous All-Star Game and celebrate the explosive growth of the league by showcasing the WNBA's biggest stars on a world-class stage," Chicago Sky CEO and president Adam Fox said.

While the first All-Star Game in Chicago took place at Wintrust Arena, next year's stage includes a significant venue upgrade to the United Center.

The Sky played their first-ever games at the Bulls' NBA arena this past season, taking on the Indiana Fever for two regular-season 2025 WNBA matchups.

"We're ecstatic to host the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game and build on the two sell-out Chicago Sky games played at the United Center this year," said United Center VP of booking Jerry Goldman.

The WNBA will be eager to showcase its growth since its last All-Star visit, as investment — both internal and external — remains a hot topic heading into the league's 2026 season.