2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend
ION returned to the WNBA All-Star Weekend in 2026, bringing the energy of Friday Nights on ION off-screen and IRL at WNBA Live in Chicago.
With 30,000+ fans in a crowded field of brand activations, ION focused on what it could own: the energy, rituals, and excitement of Friday Night game night. The 20x20 footprint invited fans to test their vertical and leave their mark on an interactive jump wall, capture social-ready content at a spinning basketball photo moment, and grab free giveaways from the branded concession stand. Appearances from Chicago Sky center Kamila Kardosa, LA Sparks point guard Rae Burrell, and some of the league’s beloved mascots gave fans a chance to get up close with the players and personalities they love.
Giving the footprint a distinct visual identity, ION partnered with artist Alex Alpert, who created a custom mural inspired by the WNBA and its cities, extending the creative into a one-of-a-kind sneaker giveaway fans could enter onsite by following ION’s newest social handle, @IONGAMEDAY.
Against a sea of tech-heavy activations, ION intentionally went tactile and analog. Simple, high-energy interactions kept fans moving through the space, while bold visual moments and a high-traffic location helped the footprint stand out organically throughout the weekend.
The experience welcomed 1,971 visitors and generated 727+ data capture entries, turning Friday Nights on ION into a tangible expression of the network’s leadership in women’s sports.
Agency: Tinsel Experiential Design
