Chicago Kids Get WNBA Skills Boost at 'Play Like a Girl' Clinic
Young Chicago basketball players got hands-on court time at a 'Play Like a Girl' clinic held in the lead-up to the WNBA All-Star Game.
Chicago Youth Take the Court Before WNBA All-Star Weekend
Young basketball players in Chicago got a chance to sharpen their skills and soak up some professional energy at a "Play Like a Girl" clinic organized ahead of the WNBA All-Star Game, according to CBS News. The event brought kids together for structured court sessions designed to build confidence and fundamentals, with the All-Star spotlight providing a fitting backdrop.
The clinic's name carries a clear message: playing like a girl is something to be proud of. Organizers framed the event around celebrating women in basketball at a moment when the sport is drawing record attention, with the WNBA seeing surging viewership and growing mainstream coverage heading into its All-Star showcase.
Chicago, a city with deep basketball roots, served as the setting for both the clinic and the broader All-Star festivities. Holding youth programming alongside a marquee professional event gives young athletes direct exposure to the culture surrounding the women's game at its highest level.
What the Clinic Offered Young Players
Participants worked through basketball drills and skills training during the session. The clinic format, centered on youth development, gave kids structured repetitions alongside the kind of environment that connects grassroots participation to professional basketball.
Events like this one are increasingly common around WNBA milestone weekends. Leagues and community partners use the All-Star platform to push youth engagement, particularly for girls who may see professional women's basketball as an attainable path rather than a distant dream. The "Play Like a Girl" framing reinforces that idea directly.
For many of the kids attending, the proximity to All-Star week likely made the experience more memorable than a standard community clinic. The energy around a professional showcase tends to translate to the youth level, giving participants something to connect their court time to.
WNBA All-Star Game Puts Women's Basketball in the Spotlight
The WNBA All-Star Game has grown considerably as a cultural event in recent years. The league has worked to expand its reach, and All-Star weekend has become a focal point for fan engagement, sponsor activations, and community programming like the Chicago clinic.
Hosting youth events in the same city during All-Star week reflects a deliberate strategy to grow the sport's base. Young players who participate in skill-building clinics tied to professional events are more likely to follow the league, attend games, and stay involved in basketball long-term.
CBS News reported on the Chicago clinic as part of broader coverage surrounding the All-Star Game buildup, highlighting the community dimension of a weekend that can sometimes be overshadowed by on-court highlights alone. The "Play Like a Girl" clinic put young athletes at the center of that story.
