The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) has voted to approve an arena agreement bringing the Chicago Sky to the city of Chicago. The Sky spent the last eight years at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, and will look to relocate to Wintrust Arena at McCormick Square in the booming, South Loop neighborhood of Chicago for the 2018 season.
MPEA voted to approve the Chicago Sky on a 5-year agreement, which includes the Sky playing all 17 home games at the Wintrust Arena as well as promotional events. The Sky will receive revenue from ticket sales to events, sponsorship sales and sales of all Sky or WNBA-branded merchandise. MPEA will receive rent and all other concession revenues, parking revenue and ticketing fees. The Sky will retain the exclusive right to sell or license the broadcast rights with respect to all Sky basketball games at the Arena.
The Sky and their 17 home games add professional sports to the growing portfolio of the 10,387-seat Wintrust Arena, which is scheduled to open in September. Its anchor tenant is the DePaul University men’s and women’s basketball teams, which are expected to host more than 20 games at the new arena.
“This move by the Chicago Sky will mean jobs and economic opportunities in Bronzeville and across our neighborhoods,” Mayor Emanuel said. “On behalf of basketball fans across the city, we want to welcome the Chicago Sky to their new home right here in Chicago.”