Chicago Stars FC today announced a new partnership with StubHub, naming the leading ticket marketplace as the club's Official Fan Marketplace and Official Open Distribution Partner through the remainder of the 2026 National Women's Soccer League season.
The partnership will provide fans with greater access and flexibility when purchasing tickets to Chicago Stars matches at Martin Stadium in Evanston, creating a seamless experience for supporters looking to secure their seats and be part of the excitement on Chicago's lakefront.
As interest in women's sports continues to surge nationwide, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to making live sports experiences more accessible while connecting more fans with the athletes and teams they love. Through StubHub's marketplace and Open Distribution network, the Chicago Stars will be able to reach new audiences and provide supporters with additional pathways to experience NWSL action in person.
"Women's soccer is experiencing unprecedented growth, and our responsibility is to ensure that every fan who wants to be part of that movement has an easy and convenient way to access our matches," said Chicago Stars FC Vice President of Partnerships Sara Arnold. "StubHub has demonstrated a meaningful commitment to investing in women's sports and expanding opportunities for fans to engage with their favorite teams. We're excited to partner with an organization that shares our vision for growing the game and creating memorable experiences for supporters across Chicago and beyond."
The agreement further strengthens StubHub's growing presence across women's sports, building upon existing partnerships with organizations including the Chicago Sky and Athletes Unlimited. Together, the Chicago Stars and StubHub will work to increase visibility for women's professional sports while helping more fans discover and attend live events.
“Open Distribution lets the Chicago Stars use StubHub’s marketing reach and audience to sell tickets while keeping control of their brand, data and fan relationships,” said Alexa Fuentes, Director of Soccer Partnerships at StubHub. “Women’s soccer is one of the fastest-growing categories on our platform, and we’re proud to help the Stars turn that momentum into fans in seats at Martin Stadium.”
Just as StubHub connects millions of fans with live events around the world, the partnership with the Stars will create additional opportunities for supporters to experience professional women's soccer firsthand and witnessing the world-class talent on the Stars’ roster, helping fuel the continued growth of the sport in Chicago and beyond through one of the most storied clubs in the league.
ABOUT CHICAGO STARS FC
Chicago Stars FC is Chicago's professional women's soccer club and a founding member of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Driven by a commitment to excellence on and off the pitch, the Stars are building the future of women's soccer through investment in world-class facilities, elite player development, and unforgettable fan experiences. The club has qualified for the NWSL Playoffs eight times and reached the NWSL Championship in 2019 and 2021, while continuing to play a leading role in the growth of the women's game in Chicago, across the country and globally. For more information, visit ChicagoStars.com.
ABOUT STUBHUB
StubHub is a leading global secondary ticketing marketplace for live events. Through StubHub in North America and viagogo internationally, StubHub services customers in over 200 countries and territories, supporting over 30 languages and accepting payments in over 45 currencies – from sports to music, comedy to dance, festivals to theater. StubHub offers a safe and convenient way to buy or sell tickets to live events across the world for memorable live experiences.
Chicago Stars FC and First Lady today announced a new, multi-year partnership which makes First Lady the official river cruise of the Chicago Stars, connecting Chicago tradition, sports and tourism through the beautiful game and the city’s no. 1 choice for boat tours.
“We’re delighted to add a Chicago icon like First Lady to our growing family of local and national official partners,” said Sara Arnold, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for Chicago Stars FC. “This investment reaffirms First Lady's commitment to the growth of women’s sports in Chicago, while having the support of a such a recognizable organization that is so deeply embedded in the heart of Chicago will help us connect further with both new and established fans.”
A fourth-generation family-owned and operated company, First Lady has been providing memorable cruises of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan for 90 years and was voted Best Boat Tour in North America in 2025 for the second time by USA Today 10Best. First Lady was also recently voted the #1 Sailing & Day Cruise in the US. and the #4 Top Experience in the U.S. in TripAdvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do. The new partnership between Chicago Stars FC and First Lady will focus on fresh and elevated experiences and opportunities for fans, Season Ticket Members and supporters of the Chicago Stars, with First Lady becoming the presenting partner of Chicago Stars FC’s Pride match on Aug. 9.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Chicago Stars FC and connect with fans in a new and meaningful way,” said Clare Agra, Director of Charter Sales for First Lady. “As a family-owned company, we take great pride in creating memorable experiences that celebrate the spirit of this city, and we look forward to welcoming Stars supporters aboard and bringing together the energy of the river, the skyline and Chicago soccer throughout the season.”
To kick off the partnership, First Lady is inviting Chicago Stars players and special guests on one of its iconic two-level vessels that feature open-air upper decks and climate-controlled interiors, on May 14, where players will have the opportunity to interact with fans and tourists along the riverfront with special giveaways.
To celebrate the partnership, the Stars and First Lady are also teaming up to provide fans with exclusive offers to experience Chicago Stars matches and First Lady Sightseeing River Cruises:
First Lady will be the presenting partner of the Stars’ new Steam Starter prematch tradition, an homage to the city’s grit and blue-collar mentality. Before kickoff, a featured guest pulls a 6-foot steam whistle, blasting sound and steam to signal fans to figuratively clock in, get loud and go to work with the team. The whistle is also activated after goals and wins, with a standout player dubbed the Star of the Match delivering the final pull to clock out and signify the end of the shift on the pitch.
Notable Steam Starters this season include Emmy award-winning writer, co-creator, and star of the hit series Ted Lasso, Brendan Hunt; three-time NCAA championship winners, the Northwestern Field Hockey team on April 29; as well as Tiona Deniece, who designed the Stars’ Celebration of Black Culture t-shirt and performed the national anthem at the club’s match on April 25; FOX 32 Chicago’s local icon and sports anchor Cassie Carlson was the Steam Starter in the club’s match on March 25, while Olympic skater and Illinois native Sarah Warren was the club’s first-ever “Steam Starter” during the Stars’ home opener on March 22.
Fans can see the Steam Starter tradition in action and experience a thrilling matchday on the picturesque lakefront at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium by visiting chicagostars.com/tickets, and to learn more about First Lady, fans can visit firstlady.com.
ABOUT CHICAGO STARS FC
Established in 2007 as the Chicago Red Stars, Chicago Stars FC is the premier women’s soccer franchise in the city of Chicago and one of the original eight clubs to form the National Women’s Soccer League in 2013. The Chicago Stars have made the NWSL playoffs eight times, seven consecutive, for the second highest playoff appearances in the league, and appeared in the NWSL Championship in 2019 and 2021, finishing as the runners-up both times. The club also made it to the inaugural Challenge Cup final in 2020.
ABOUT FIRST LADY
A cornerstone of Chicago’s Riverwalk for 90 years, First Lady is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated cruise line and home to the official Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady. Nationally recognized and locally beloved, the company’s signature architecture cruise has been named among the best boat tours in North America and honored as Best Tour and Best Outdoor Attraction by the Chicago Reader. Building on decades of trusted service and award-winning experiences, First Lady offers a range of cruise and charter experiences on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, from architecture and sightseeing tours to specialty cruises and private events. Committed to sustainability and operational excellence, First Lady operates a fleet of nine vessels for groups of two to 250 guests, all staffed by U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains and crew. For cruise schedules and more information, visit firstlady.com or call 847-358-1330.
Chicago Stars FC today recognized multiple new and returning partners prior to the kickoff of the club’s 2026 campaign.
“We’re excited to begin this season with such a diverse group of partners committed to the growth of the Chicago Stars,” said Chicago Stars FC Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Sara Arnold. “With their help, we’re able to support our world-class athletes at every level and give back to our community in meaningful ways. We look forward to another successful season with our valued partners behind us.”
The 2026 season sees LaCroix team up with the Chicago Stars for the first time and includes the return of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, CDW, the IWSL, Nellaspec.com and Wintrust. The partnerships support the entire Chicago Stars FC organization, from technical staff to front office operations and the Chicago Stars’ community efforts.
The Chicago Stars return to Chicago for the team’s home opener at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium Sunday, March 22, at 1 p.m. CT against the Kansas City Current. Tickets for all Chicago Stars home matches, including Season Ticket Memberships, Flex Packs and single-match tickets, are available now at chicagostars.com/tickets.
Thank you to our 2026 partners:
New Partners
LaCroix
Returning Partners
Wintrust
Nellaspec.com
Sloan
Gallagher
United Airlines
Jameson Irish Whiskey
CDW
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Illinois Women’s Soccer League
Aries Charter Transport
Chicago Stars FC today announced a new multiyear partnership with LaCroix Sparkling Water by National Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ: FIZZ) to become the official sparkling water partner of Chicago Stars FC. As part of the partnership, LaCroix will be prominently featured on the back of the team's training kits beginning in 2026.
“LaCroix is an ardent supporter of women’s sports, and we are thrilled to have them join our team,” said Sara Arnold, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the Chicago Stars. “To have the support of LaCroix, a marquee brand, is the latest example of the growth of the Chicago Stars, and women’s sports. Through this partnership we hope to continue elevating the club, our players and give back to our community.”
A LaCroix spokesperson added, “This new alliance with the Chicago Stars underscores LaCroix’s commitment to healthy living and activities that promote youth and women’s sports. LaCroix has deep Midwestern roots, and Chicago has been a loyal and important market for LaCroix for decades. We look forward to connecting with the Chicago Stars players and fans.”
This overarching partnership between the Chicago Stars and LaCroix reaffirms the leading sparkling water brand’s steadfast commitment to supporting women’s sports. LaCroix will receive prominent brand visibility on the Chicago Stars’ training tops and during matchday through a fan-engaging T-shirt toss. LaCroix’s partnership with the Chicago Stars extends to support the club’s community initiatives, helping bring the game of soccer to underserved communities across the Chicagoland area with the goal of increasing participation in sports specifically among girls and young women.
LaCroix is the first new partner to join and support the Chicago Stars’ transition to the club’s new home at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. LaCroix will enhance the matchday experience at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium by partnering with the Stars to host a special theme night, offering a co-branded giveaway and organizing regular fan-engagement activities throughout 2026.
To learn more about LaCroix, fans can visit lacroixwater.com and to support the Stars, fans can visit chicagostars.com to learn more about the team and the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League season.
The Chicago Stars and Wintrust Financial Corporation announced today an extension on their partnership that will see Wintrust continue as the club’s front-of-kit partner for the Stars.
“We are incredibly happy to continue our partnership with Wintrust,” said Chicago Stars Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, Sara Arnold. “Wintrust has been a true partner in our efforts to grow women’s sports by not only supporting the Stars, but by supporting our efforts to give back to women and young girls in our community. We look forward to continuing this partnership and building on the impact we can make together.”
“Women’s soccer is on the rise and Wintrust is proud to be the front-of-kit partner for Chicago’s hometown team,” said Amy Yuhn, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand, Engagement & Impact Officer for Wintrust Financial Corporation. “As important, though, is the collaboration between Wintrust and the Stars to create access and opportunities in our communities. We are excited to continue this meaningful partnership.
The Chicago Stars and Wintrust originally partnered at the start of the 2024 season, marking what remains the largest partnership agreement in club history. Over the past two seasons, Wintrust served as the presenting partner of the club’s camps and community initiatives helping the Stars reach as many children, especially young women, across the Chicagoland area as possible. Getting girls involved in sports at a young age has shown to be pivotal in encouraging them to pursue becoming professional athletes and has a positive correlation with career success. Studies have shown that women who reach the C-suite learned many of the skills that help them succeed by participating in organized sports.
This past year, the Chicago Stars and Wintrust partnered to host Future Stars Fest, presented by Wintrust. This free multi-day event was hosted at three locations across Chicago over the course of the summer and fall. Children from the North, South and lower West sides of the city came out for Future Stars Fest, presented by Wintrust, to learn or sharpen their soccer skills with Chicago Stars players, explore fun scientific projects, channel their artistic sides and more in these welcoming and encouraging environments. In addition to their support of Future Stars Fest, Wintrust also helped the Stars with their camps and clinics programming, which is curated for young aspiring soccer players and helped the club engage more children in soccer and general physical activity.
Over the first two years of their partnership with the Chicago Stars, Wintrust also prioritized supporting causes that are meaningful to Chicago Stars players. In 2025, the Stars and Wintrust collaborated on a series of player-informed initiatives designed to serve those in need, increase engagement in athletics among young women and support women-owned businesses across Chicagoland. At the start of summer, the Chicago Stars teamed up with Sarah’s Circle – an organization working to help women permanently end their homelessness – to provide and serve food from a local restaurant to residents at Sarah’s Circle. The Stars also worked with the Women’s Business Development Center, providing microgrants to 15 women-owned businesses and inviting the entrepreneurs to an All-In Women’s Business Expo hosted before a Stars match at SeatGeek Stadium. Business owners set up stations at the stadium where they and Stars fans had the opportunity to learn more about their work and foster meaningful community connections.
To help inspire young women to be active, the Stars worked with Girls on the Run an organization that creatively blends running with a curriculum designed to help girls be joyful, healthy and confident. Stars players visited a Girls on the Run practice to meet with the participants, answer questions and distribute new running shoes. In addition to supporting these events, Wintrust also provided grants to each organization helping ensure they continue to serve and expand their reach.
As the Stars and Wintrust extend their partnership, the two organizations will continue to find ways to give back to the Chicagoland community through club-led events, community initiatives, and player-driven programs, reinforcing a shared commitment to empowering women, uplifting communities, and creating meaningful impact throughout Chicagoland.
ABOUT CHICAGO STARS FC: Established in 2007 as the Chicago Red Stars, Chicago Stars FC is the premier women’s soccer franchise in the city of Chicago and one of the original eight clubs to form the National Women’s Soccer League in 2013. The Chicago Stars have made the NWSL playoffs eight times, seven consecutive, for the second highest playoff appearances in the league, and appeared in the NWSL Championship in 2019 and 2021, finishing as the runners-up both times. The club also made it to the inaugural Challenge Cup final in 2020 and currently holds the NWSL single-match attendance record.
ABOUT WINTRUST: Wintrust is a financial holding company with $69,6 billion in assets whose common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Guided by its “Different Approach, Better Results®” philosophy, Wintrust offers the sophisticated resources of a large bank while providing a community banking experience to each customer. Wintrust operates more than 200 retail banking locations through 16 community bank subsidiaries in the greater Chicago, southern Wisconsin, west Michigan, northwest Indiana, and southwest Florida market areas. In addition, Wintrust operates various non-bank business units, providing residential mortgage origination, wealth management, commercial and life insurance premium financing, short-term accounts receivable financing/outsourced administrative services to the temporary staffing services industry, and qualified intermediary services for tax-deferred exchanges. For more information, please visit wintrust.com.
Chicago Stars FC today announced the renewal of their partnership with Ceek Women’s Health, innovator in women’s health products. As the proud women’s health partner of Chicago Stars FC, Ceek Women’s Health will continue as the team’s sleeve partner, marking the second time in club history that all available sponsored kit spaces have been sold.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ceek Women’s Health back for another season with the Chicago Stars,” said Sara Arnold, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for Chicago Stars FC. “As a professional women’s soccer club, we recognize the vital connection between athletic performance and overall health. Nella’s commitment to revolutionizing women’s healthcare aligns with our mission to uplift women both on and off the pitch. We’re proud to stand alongside a partner who is transforming how women experience routine health exams.”
The renewed partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing women's health and empowerment through sport.
“As women athletes continue to break records and redefine what’s possible, we at are breaking barriers in women’s health,” said Fahti Khosrowshahi, founder of the Nella Speculum. “The Chicago Stars represent strength, leadership, and innovation in women’s sports—and we’re proud to partner with them again to champion a future where every woman has access to modern, comfortable tools for her health. We hope this collaboration brings greater awareness to the Nella Comfort Kit and inspires more women to advocate for what they deserve at their annual exams.”
As part of the partnership, Ceek Women’s Health will serve as the presenting partner of the Stars’ Together Strong home match May 10, a match dedicated to raising awareness around the importance of accessible, comfortable and modern women’s healthcare. Themed around women’s health, the match will spotlight women's health and wellbeing while promoting awareness, access and action. The theme showcases how encouraging individuals and communities to prioritize and advocate for women’s health can empower women of all ages to speak up about the tools used during their wellness exams.
Recognizing that many athletes discover their love of sport at a young age, the partnership also includes educational outreach designed to empower girls and teens with knowledge about their health and their choices. In addition, Ceek will participate in Chicago Stars community soccer clinics, presented by Wintrust, across the Chicago area, helping children discover the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of sports and physical activity.
This season, the Chicago Stars look to build on their 2024 campaign that saw the team return to the NWSL playoffs for the eighth time in club history (second most in the NWSL). Returning to the club this year is: goalkeeper and United States Women’s National Team legend, Alyssa Naeher; Mallory Swanson, who scored the gold medal-winning goal for the USWNT in Paris; forward, Ludmila, who scored three goals in as many consecutive matches; Julia Grosso, a dynamic midfielder who helped Canada take home Olympic gold at the Tokyo Olympics; and a young and energetic core that is looking to establish themselves and the team as one of the marquee franchises in Chicago.
About Chicago Stars FC
Established in 2007 as the Chicago Red Stars, Chicago Stars FC is the premier women’s soccer franchise in the city of Chicago and one of the original eight clubs to form the National Women’s Soccer League in 2013. The Chicago Stars have made the NWSL playoffs eight times, seven consecutive, for the second highest playoff appearances in the league, and appeared in the NWSL Championship in 2019 and 2021, finishing as the runners-up both times. The club also made it to the inaugural Challenge Cup final in 2020 and currently holds the NWSL single-match attendance record.
About Ceek Women’s Health
Nella is a modern healthcare brand on a mission to reimagine women’s pelvic exams—starting with the speculum. Developed with comfort and innovation in mind, the Nella Speculum and Nella Comfort Kit are designed to reduce pain and anxiety during routine gynecological exams. Named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions, Nella is redefining women’s healthcare by putting comfort, dignity, and choice at the center of every exam. Learn more at nellaspec.com.