Dwyane Wade Reflects On Growing Up In Chicago, WNBA's Decision To Bring All-Star Game Back To The City
For Dwyane Wade, playing basketball has always been more than just a game. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, he would watch the Bulls play at the United Center and dream of one day stepping onto that court as a professional player. Now, as part-owner of the WNBA's Chicago Sky, Wade is excited to see his hometown host the 2026 All-Star Game.
"The WNBA's choice to bring the All-Star Game back to Chicago is huge for our city," Wade said during a luncheon hosted by the Sky to celebrate the announcement. "It's not just about basketball – it's about what this game can do for young girls in our city."
Wade, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, believes that sports have the power to inspire and empower people, especially young women.
"I've seen firsthand how sports can bring people together and give them a sense of purpose," Wade said. "For me, it's always been about more than just winning or losing – it's about what you can do for your community."
The WNBA's decision to return to Chicago comes as the league is experiencing significant growth in viewership and revenue. The Sky has been at the forefront of this trend, with a record-breaking season last year that saw its games attract new fans and increase its following.
As part of the All-Star Game festivities, the WNBA will also partner with the Chicago Park District to paint the WNBA three-point line on all of the city's basketball courts. This initiative aims to promote girls' basketball and provide more opportunities for young women to get involved in the sport.
Chicago officials, including Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, are also hyping up the event, touting its potential economic benefits and the chance for the city to showcase its vibrant sports culture.
"We can inspire the next generation of athletes, especially our young women, to reach new heights," Pritzker said. "Let's not understate the significance that this holds for women's sports."
The All-Star Weekend will take place from July 23-25 and will feature a range of activities, including a fan festival, an innovation summit, and other events.
For Wade, the WNBA's return to Chicago is more than just a win – it's a chance to give back to his community and inspire the next generation of athletes.
For Dwyane Wade, playing basketball has always been more than just a game. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, he would watch the Bulls play at the United Center and dream of one day stepping onto that court as a professional player. Now, as part-owner of the WNBA's Chicago Sky, Wade is excited to see his hometown host the 2026 All-Star Game.
"The WNBA's choice to bring the All-Star Game back to Chicago is huge for our city," Wade said during a luncheon hosted by the Sky to celebrate the announcement. "It's not just about basketball – it's about what this game can do for young girls in our city."
Wade, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, believes that sports have the power to inspire and empower people, especially young women.
"I've seen firsthand how sports can bring people together and give them a sense of purpose," Wade said. "For me, it's always been about more than just winning or losing – it's about what you can do for your community."
The WNBA's decision to return to Chicago comes as the league is experiencing significant growth in viewership and revenue. The Sky has been at the forefront of this trend, with a record-breaking season last year that saw its games attract new fans and increase its following.
As part of the All-Star Game festivities, the WNBA will also partner with the Chicago Park District to paint the WNBA three-point line on all of the city's basketball courts. This initiative aims to promote girls' basketball and provide more opportunities for young women to get involved in the sport.
Chicago officials, including Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, are also hyping up the event, touting its potential economic benefits and the chance for the city to showcase its vibrant sports culture.
"We can inspire the next generation of athletes, especially our young women, to reach new heights," Pritzker said. "Let's not understate the significance that this holds for women's sports."
The All-Star Weekend will take place from July 23-25 and will feature a range of activities, including a fan festival, an innovation summit, and other events.
For Wade, the WNBA's return to Chicago is more than just a win – it's a chance to give back to his community and inspire the next generation of athletes.
He's not just a basketball legend, but also an amazing role model for young girls in the city. I love how he emphasizes the importance of sports having a positive impact on community and empowering young women 
The idea of painting the WNBA three-point line on all Chicago basketball courts is genius 
and will definitely get more girls involved in the sport! 
Let's make this All-Star Weekend one to remember, Chicago! 
... so the WNBA comin' back to Chicago for that All-Star Game, it's awesome 
. I mean, Dwyane Wade is one of those legends who grew up playin' hoops in Chicago, and now he's seein' a new generation of young girls growin' up with the same dreams 
... but what about the old guard? The ones who paved the way for them? It's like we're forgettin' where we came from, you know? 
And if bringin' in more fans and money is gonna help out our community, then I'm all for it 
... as long as they don't forget about the little guys who started it all 
. Maybe this All-Star Weekend can be a chance for D-Wade to share his story with some of these young girls, and show 'em what's possible 
... that'd be somethin' special 
.
, and now we're getting this awesome initiative with the WNBA three-point line on all the city's basketball courts 
, and now he gets to inspire even more young women to get involved in sports 
... it's like a never-ending loop of positivity 
it's gonna be so cool for kids to have a fun and exciting way to play ball in their community 
. But seriously, I think it's awesome that the WNBA is bringing their All-Star Game back to Chicago. It's like a big ol' party for girls who love hoops! 
. The fact that they're partnering with the Chicago Park District to paint the WNBA line on all the courts? Genius move! I mean, who wouldn't want to be able to say they can shoot like A'ja Wilson 
. And kudos to D-Wade for being part-owner of the Sky and giving back to his community – he's living proof that sports can bring people together and make a real difference 
plus theyre painting the wnba three-point line on every single court in the city? thats so cool!!! 
i cant wait for the fan festival and all the other events... its like chicago is gonna come alive with all the basketball action!!! 
. The fact that the league is experiencing growth in viewership and revenue is no surprise – they've been investing in their players, coaches, and teams for years.
It's not just about bringing the All-Star Game back to Chicago - it's about leaving a lasting legacy that goes beyond the court 
they can't even get their logo right it looks like they copied from some other team 
anyway back to dwyane wade, imo he's doing some amazing work with the league and promoting girls basketball which is literally the most important thing rn