Why we gathered
Chicago is gearing up for a 2026 full of incredible sporting events—and our virtual Game On, Chicago Choose Chicago Roundtable on Dec. 10 underscored just how transformative next year will be for our visitor economy, our neighborhoods, and our global profile.
From major new events to annual mainstays, next year’s lineup represents everything that makes Chicago’s sports ecosystem so powerful. These moments won’t just fill stadiums and arenas—they’ll fill hotel rooms, restaurants, cultural attractions, and neighborhood corridors across the city.
Wednesday’s roundtable convened panelists from the Chicago Sports Commission, Choose Chicago, the Chicago Fire, the Chicago Sky, and the 2026 Presidents Cup to preview these major events and discuss how our tourism and hospitality community can activate collaboratively around them.
What we heard
Kara Bachman: Previewing a Packed Calendar
Kara Bachman, Executive Director of the Chicago Sports Commission, opened the session by sharing an overview the remarkable stretch of sporting events planned for 2026. Highlights of the year include WNBA All-Star Game, the Presidents Cup, the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, the NCAA Midwest Regionals, the WWE Elimination Chamber, and a U.S. Men’s National Team send-off match for the World Cup. This convergence of high-profile events positions Chicago for significant international visitor growth and sustained global visibility.
Alexa Gallagher: Positioning Chicago as THE World Cup Halo City
Alexa Gallagher, Senior Director of Partnership Marketing, detailed how Choose Chicago is activating around the 2026 World Cup to ensure that Chicago is the place to be for international and regional visitors. Alexa shared research indicating that World Cup travelers—especially those from Europe—are planning to travel to “halo cities” that are not hosting matches. She shared details of the “Kick Back in Chicago” campaign, which positions Chicago to take advantage of this influx of visitors.
Dan Cohen: An only-in-Chicago World Cup Fan Zone
Dan Cohen, Senior Director of Communications for the Chicago Fire, previewed the Fire’s bold plans for the World Cup: the takeover of Recess in the West Loop for the Chicago Fire Soccer Celebration. This activation will be the premier World Cup fan zone and viewing experience for both local fans and global visitors, offering immersive viewing, community programming, and partnerships with neighborhood businesses, helping build World Cup excitement throughout the city.
Nadia Rawlinson: A Breakthrough Year Ahead for Women’s Sports
Nadia Rawlinson, Co-Owner and Operating Chairman of the Chicago Sky, highlighted the momentum building around women’s sports and the opportunities ahead with the WNBA All-Star Game returning to Chicago in July—taking place at the United Center for the first time. With increased national attention on the league, the event is expected to draw visitors from across the country, boost media coverage, and amplify Chicago’s reputation as a destination for world-class women’s athletics. Community engagement and neighborhood programming will also play a central role.
Joie Chitwood:The Presidents Cup Returns to Chicagoland
Closing the discussion, Joie Chitwood, Executive Director of the Presidents Cup provided a look inside preparations for the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club. The tournament’s international footprint, strong corporate interest, and incredible broadcast reach make it one of the city’s most significant global opportunities in 2026. With Chicago’s renowned hospitality, accessibility, and cultural depth, the event is expected to drive extended stays and large-scale economic impact.
Where we go from here
Chicago’s 2026 sports calendar represents a defining moment for the city—not only for fans, but for the entire visitor economy. The collaboration across sports teams, leagues, cultural organizations, neighborhood partners, and hospitality leaders is setting the stage for a year that will showcase Chicago at its very best.
Game on, Chicago.
