Women Got Game heads to Chicago during WNBA All-Star Weekend

BCGA Foundation will bring Women Got Game to the Illinois Institute of Technology on July 24, pairing a gaming summit and esports tournament with the GameChangeHer Awards during WNBA All-Star Weekend. The events aim to connect students with women leaders in sports, gaming and business while spotlighting women’s leadership and access to career pathways.

Why it matters: - BCGA Foundation is using WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago to connect students with women leaders in gaming, sports and technology. - The programming is built to give students exposure to an industry that is growing quickly and can be hard to access without networks or resources. - The events also put a spotlight on women whose leadership is shaping sports, business and community impact.

What happened: - Women Got Game Chicago will debut Friday, July 24 at the Illinois Institute of Technology. - The summit and esports tournament are created by BCGA Foundation. - The day also includes the invitation-only GameChangeHer Awards. - Both events are scheduled during WNBA All-Star Weekend. - Tournament registration is available at Women Got Game. - Registration and information for Game ChangeHer are available at Game ChangeHer.

The details: - Women Got Game Chicago will bring together students and women professional sports leaders for career exploration, connection, competition and recognition. - The summit will cover The History and Future of Gaming and Mental Wellness. - A featured conversation, Welcome to Her World, will include women leaders and executives discussing career lessons and navigating underrepresented industries. - The esports tournament begins at 1 p.m. - Tournament play will feature NBA 2K with WNBA teams and Street Fighter 6. - Early registration is encouraged because tournament seats are still available. - GameChangeHer is described as an awards ceremony and reception for women in professional sports, corporate leaders, female athletes, students and invited guests. - The awards will honor women whose leadership and service are influencing their industries and communities. - Honorees include Anne Ward and Taydra Mitchell of Built Possible, Carla Suber of the Chicago Bears, Rosa Botello of Suntory Global Spirits and Judge Nicole Taylor, presiding judge of County Court at Law No. 5. - BCGA Foundation thanked Heart of the Block, BLM Sports, Kay Ray's World of Community Services and Partners for sponsorship support. - Media credentials and partnership inquiries go to bcoates@exposurebbc.com.

Between the lines: - BCGA Foundation is pairing access-focused programming for students with recognition for established women leaders. - The strategy ties gaming and women’s sports together at a moment when Chicago attention is already elevated by All-Star Weekend. - Founder and Chairwoman Keshia Walker said the goal is to help the next generation gain exposure, information and relationships needed to move forward. - Walker also said the combination lets students learn directly from accomplished professionals while seeing women celebrated for impact.

What's next: - Students interested in the esports tournament should register early because space is limited. - BCGA Foundation plans to use the Chicago events to extend its broader mission in gaming, esports and technology access. - Social media conversation will use the hashtags #WomenGotGame, #WGG, #GameChangeHer, #WomenInGaming, #WomenInSports and #ChicagoGaming.

The bottom line: - Women Got Game Chicago is designed to turn a major sports weekend into a career pipeline for young women and a recognition platform for women already leading in their fields.