Chicago Sky shocked the WNBA world after being the only team to volunteer for hosting the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. This inside report reveals why nobody else wanted it — and how one exec says it could cost them big.
For the second time in just five years, the Chicago Sky will host the WNBA All-Star Game — and fans are scratching their heads wondering, why Chicago again? Many assumed New York or Los Angeles would be in the mix, but what’s coming out now is wild: nobody else even wanted it.
Yep, you read that right. According to multiple league insiders, Chicago was the only franchise to actually step up and say, “We’ll do it.” Every other team? Not interested.
So, how did we get here — and why are insiders saying this move could actually lose money for the Sky? Let’s unpack the full story.
Inside the WNBA’s All-Star Game Bidding Process
Traditionally, the league has had to go searching for teams to host the All-Star Game. Nobody’s been jumping at the chance. One exec said straight up that in most years, the WNBA “had to seek out host teams.”
That changed in 2024, when the Phoenix Mercury — owned by billionaire Mat Ishbia — outbid several other franchises. They pulled out all the stops: luxury resorts for players, massive parties, and full-on NBA-level production. Ishbia’s team reportedly spent 200 times more than what it cost the last time Phoenix hosted in 2014.
And now? Other teams are looking at that and saying, “No thanks.”
“You Have To Be Willing To Lose Money”
One of the biggest shockers came from Vince Kozar, President of the Phoenix Mercury. He admitted that hosting the All-Star Game isn’t exactly a moneymaker — it’s more like a money pit.
“Hosting requires an owner willing to lose a substantial amount of money,” Kozar said.
That line hit hard across the league. Think about it — if even the Mercury, with billionaire backing and NBA resources, felt the burn, how will the Sky manage it as an independent WNBA team?
“Massive Undertaking” For Chicago Sky
Kozar didn’t hold back when asked about Chicago hosting the next one:
“If we didn’t have the resources of our entire organization and NBA support, we couldn’t have pulled it off. For an independent team like Chicago, that’s a massive undertaking.”
Translation? The Sky are walking into deep water — and they’ll have to swim without the financial lifejacket of an NBA partner.
But to their credit, the Sky didn’t flinch. They raised their hand when nobody else did. And with a new training facility in development (despite whispers about payment delays), Chicago seems determined to prove they can handle it.
Still, some insiders are skeptical. Without NBA-level funding, high-end marketing, or major sponsors, pulling off a profitable All-Star weekend might be a stretch.
The Caitlin Clark Effect
Another big concern floating around the league — what if Caitlin Clark isn’t playing in that All-Star Game?
As one host put it, “If Caitlin Clark isn’t there, that’s a slippery slope to bet on.”
It’s no secret that Clark’s presence has been driving massive ticket sales and TV ratings. Her name alone moves numbers. So for the Sky, banking on attendance and hype without her could be risky.
Meanwhile… Unrival Is Losing Players
While all this is going down, another storyline is heating up — Unrival, the player-led league co-founded by Nneka Ogwumike, is already losing talent.
Alyssa Thomas dropped a short video saying she’s heading to Project B next year, joining what could become the most high-profile women’s basketball project in history.
“I’m looking forward to joining Project B,” she said in a quick announcement.
And that’s not all — rumors are swirling that Angel Reese could be next. The same Project B that reportedly offered a $100 million deal to Caitlin Clark is now targeting more stars, leaving Unrival scrambling to stay afloat.
What This Means For The WNBA
On one hand, it’s inspiring that Chicago stepped up when nobody else did. On the other, it’s a reminder of how expensive and complicated hosting can be for independent WNBA franchises.
If Chicago pulls this off, it’ll prove small-market or solo teams can compete with NBA-backed giants. But if it goes wrong — or the league takes a financial hit — the message might be clear: hosting the All-Star Game just isn’t worth it without deep pockets.
Fan Reactions
Fans have been buzzing online:
- “Mad respect to the Sky for stepping up. That’s guts.”
- “Why are teams scared to host? It’s supposed to be an All-Star event!”
- “Unless Caitlin’s playing, it’s gonna flop, watch.”
One thing’s certain — all eyes are now on Chicago. Whether it’s a bold power move or a financial fumble, this All-Star Game could redefine how the WNBA handles hosting forever.
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