WNBA All-Star Weekend Was More Proof That People Crave Community

My timeline has been inundated with people saying, "What am I supposed to do with my life now that [insert said sporting event] is over?” Between the 2026 World Cup, the NBA Finals, and the WNBA season being in full swing, this has truly been The Summer of Sports. And even though fall is looming around the corner, it’s clear that no one wants it to end.That feeling was evident in Chicago during the WNBA All-Stars Weekend. I’d never been to the Windy City before, but I’d heard there was something special about Chicago, especially during its warmer months (insert that viral Djo song). So, I was expecting to feel something incredibly electric once I landed. And that was true, for an assortment of reasons. Still, as I ventured around all weekend, attending a slew of WNBA-focused events, I found myself recognizing one thing, and saying it over and over: “The people yearn for community.”Coach, which became the official handbag partner of the WNBA last year, created space to foster those community moments all weekend. One included a conversation between WNBA legend Lisa Leslie and rookie Azzi Fudd; it was the perfect bridging of the past, present and future of the league. The talk, which was moderated by Olympian Jordan Chiles, was held at Chicago’s storied Navy Pier and the room was filled with women and men alike—some wore custom, bedazzled Azzi Fudd shirts while others donned the rookie’s Dallas Wings jersey or one from her time at UConn.COACH//Hearst OwnedCOACH//Hearst OwnedThe room felt so alive, especially when a young woman at the front took the microphone to share how impactful Azzi had been to her own basketball journey. Similar to the rising WNBA star, the young girl had recently torn her ACL and was working her way back onto the court. She tearfully mentioned how Azzi’s journey inspired her own. It took everything in me to hold back tears as I watched Azzi get up to hug the young girl. Others in the crowd were crying too.Add Cosmopolitan as a preferred source in your Google search results.Use your Google account to add this to your settings.Sports, especially women's sports, brings people together. There’s a vulnerability in the fierceness and athleticism these women display that undoubtedly draws you in. That makes you care and pushes you to connect with others over this shared experience.It felt like Coach knew that better than anyone else. Between the conversation with Azzi and Lisa, people sharing personal handwritten stories and swapping books, and the online group-watch of the 72-hour Stud Budz livestream—a la Love Island watch parties—I found myself thinking how happy everyone is when we’re invested and cheering for the same team. It reminded me why life is meant to be spent in shared spaces like these.The WorkmansCOACH//Hearst OwnedWomen’s basketball has become a powerful force for building community and belonging. The joy and energy at these events show just how deeply we crave spaces to come together, celebrate, and support one another. Having intentional spaces to facilitate these connections helps the sport reach new heights. And I can’t wait to attend my next All-Star Weekend because of it.As people continue to show up like they did last weekend—at games, bars, and activations—it’s proving they’re not just fans; this is part of a movement that underscores how vital women’s basketball is to our collective spirit.