Sam Jay to Bring the Girlies, Giggles & a Starting Lineup of Comedy’s Funniest Queer Voices to WNBA All-Star Weekend

This week, Chicago becomes the center of the women’s basketball world as fans from across the country descend on the city for the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Weekend. From July 23 through July 25, the league’s biggest celebration will feature the WNBA Live fan festival, player appearances, the Orange Carpet, the Skills Challenge, the 3-Point Contest and Saturday night’s All-Star Game at the United Center. Following record fan demand, the WNBA even expanded its official fan festival into a three-day experience this year, underscoring just how much the event has grown beyond basketball.

Once the games end for the day, one of the weekend’s biggest attractions moves from the hardwood to the stage.

On Thursday, July 23, Emmy-nominated comedian, writer and actor Sam Jay will headline Sam Jay’s Starting Lineup, a WNBA All-Star Weekend comedy jam at Chicago’s historic Thalia Hall. Produced by Girly the CEO and her event production company E3Twenty, in partnership with Live Nation, the show brings together an all-star lineup of comedians that includes Punkie Johnson, T. Murph (TP), Zainab Johnson, Syd Colson and Just Nesh.

The lineup reflects the same spirit that has helped make the WNBA one of the most culturally influential sports leagues in the country. The weekend has grown into a celebration of women’s sports, queer culture, entertainment and community, making a comedy showcase like this feel like a natural extension of the festivities.

For Jay, joining the weekend is about contributing to what the league has already built. “The WNBA has been building something special for a long time, and it’s finally getting the attention it deserves,” Jay said in an exclusive statement to Gaye. “I wanted to be a part of that weekend in a way that felt authentic to me.”

As one of comedy’s most recognizable voices, Jay sees surprising similarities between stepping onto a stage and stepping onto a basketball court.

“Comedy brings people together the same way sports do. You show up, you laugh, you connect, and for a couple of hours everybody’s just having a good time,” Sam Jay said.

 That sense of connection sits at the heart of Starting Lineup. Jay and producer Girly the CEO have assembled a lineup that reflects the diversity of voices shaping comedy today. Between Jay’s sharp cultural commentary, Punkie Johnson’s fearless storytelling, Zainab Johnson’s quick wit, Syd Colson’s unmistakable personality, T. Murph’s high-energy delivery and Just Nesh’s crowd-commanding style, the evening promises a little something for every kind of comedy fan.

“This show isn’t about trying to compete with All-Star Weekend, it’s about adding to it. We’ve got some of the funniest people I know on one stage, a room full of people who love women’s sports, comedy and culture, and that’s a combination you don’t get every day.”

Whether you’re traveling to Chicago for the All-Star Game or you’re a local looking to be part of the excitement, Sam Jay’s Starting Lineup offers a chance to experience another side of one of the biggest weekends in women’s sports.

For Jay, success is measured by the conversations people are still having after the lights come up. “My goal is simple: give people a great night. Let them leave talking about the game, talking about the jokes, meeting new people and feeling like they got to be part of something bigger than just another comedy show. If we can keep finding ways to bring different communities together, that’s a win every time.”

On a weekend built around celebrating the best in women’s basketball, Sam Jay’s Starting Lineup is aiming to deliver an all-star performance of its own.

Tickets are available at LiveNation.com.