Chi-League Showcases Unifying Power of Basketball for Chicago

CHICAGO, August, 3, 2024 — The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is proud to recognize and celebrate the culture of basketball by partnering in the 2024 Wilson Chi-League, Chicago’s Pro-Am basketball tournament. Today’s tournament final is the culmination of four weekends of single-elimination, NBA-, WNBA-, and NCAA-sanctioned pro-am basketball games. Hosted by Wilson Sporting Goods, Chi-League brings together current and former NBA stars, collegiate standouts, and local basketball legends. 

“We are excited to partner with Wilson for a third year to celebrate basketball, provide incredible experiences, and raise funds for the YMCA,” said Dorri McWhorter, President & CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “Chi-League serves as an inspiration for our communities, empowering youth to dream bigger, athletes to play harder, and our bonds to be stronger.” 

As part of the Chi-League celebrations, the YMCA of Metro Chicago and Wilson host youth basketball clinics at Ys throughout the city, as well as community engagement events, career panels at Wilson’s headquarters and volunteer experiences at YMCAs. Since 2021, more than 500 youth have been part of these clinics alongside top basketball talent from colleges and universities, including UIC, DePaul, and Loyola.  

“Pro-Am Basketball has been part of the fabric of Chicago sports culture for decades,” said Alicia Gonzalez, Chief Sports Impact Officer, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “Basketball not only bonds us, but it also helps bridge gaps in community and across the region.” 
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is the leader in accessible, inclusive programming for more than 300,000 individuals each year, strengthening community by connecting all people to their purpose, potential, and each other. The YMCA of Metro Chicago is evolving to become a 21st-century social enterprise for the region, through an association of 14 community hubs, 5 overnight camps, and 100 extension sites throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. Learn more about the Y's locations and programming at ymcachicago.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT

Katy Broom
Director, Marketing & Communications
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
312-932-1171
[email protected]