WNBA & Chicago Park District Unveil New Basketball Court

Chicago Sky and WNBA's 'Line 'Em Up' initiative brings fire-orange 3-point line to Hamilton Park

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:37pm

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The Chicago Sky and the WNBA have partnered with the Chicago Park District to unveil a new basketball court at Hamilton Park featuring the WNBA's signature fire-orange 3-point line. This initiative, called 'Line 'Em Up', aims to increase visibility and accessibility for women's basketball, inspiring the next generation of female athletes.

Why it matters

For many young athletes, access to quality facilities and visible representation can be significant barriers. The 'Line 'Em Up' campaign directly addresses this issue by creating dedicated spaces for girls to envision themselves succeeding in basketball. Beyond developing WNBA stars, the initiative also fosters leadership skills, ambition and a belief in one's potential that can translate far beyond athletics.

The details

The recent unveiling of the Hamilton Park court is just the beginning, as the Chicago Sky plan to paint hundreds more courts across the city with the WNBA's fire-orange 3-point line. This expansion will create a network of visible, accessible spaces for girls to play basketball and pursue their dreams. The partnership with the Chicago Park District is also providing opportunities for local businesses and organizations to get involved, while boosting participation in the park district's basketball programs that already serve over 3,700 girls.

  • The 'Line 'Em Up' court was unveiled on March 12, 2026.

The players

Chicago Sky

The professional women's basketball team that plays in the WNBA and is partnering with the Chicago Park District on the 'Line 'Em Up' initiative.

WNBA

The Women's National Basketball Association, which launched the 'Line 'Em Up' campaign to increase visibility and accessibility for women's basketball.

Chicago Park District

The government agency responsible for the city's parks and recreation facilities, partnering with the Chicago Sky and WNBA on the 'Line 'Em Up' initiative.

Linnae Harper

Former Chicago Sky player who recalled a time when she and her teammates often lacked basic equipment like basketball nets.

Nadia Rawlinson

Chicago Sky co-owner who emphasized that the 'Line 'Em Up' initiative is about fostering leadership skills, ambition and a belief in one's potential beyond just developing WNBA stars.

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What they’re saying

“It's not just to be a star athlete; it's not just to be a WNBA player. But it's to be a leader. It's to be a CEO. It's to be a boss.”

— Nadia Rawlinson, Chicago Sky co-owner (newsy-today.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Chicago Sky plan to paint hundreds more courts across the city with the WNBA's signature fire-orange 3-point line, expanding the network of visible, accessible spaces for girls to play basketball.

The takeaway

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to address the historical underrepresentation of women in sports and provide equal opportunities for female athletes. By creating dedicated spaces for girls to play basketball and see themselves succeeding, the 'Line 'Em Up' campaign has the potential to inspire the next generation of leaders, both on and off the court.