Dawn Staley and Raven Johnson Headline Star-Studded “Queens of the Court” Panel During All-Star Weekend in Chicago
Aflac and TogethXr are bringing together one of the most decorated lineups in women’s basketball for a special “Queens of the Court” panel this weekend in Chicago — and South Carolina has a strong presence on the stage.
The details
The panel is set for Saturday, July 25, at 167 Green Court in Chicago, with doors opening at 11:00 a.m. and the panel itself running from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The timing places it squarely within WNBA All-Star weekend, giving fans already in town for Saturday’s All-Star Game an additional reason to arrive early. The event is being promoted as an Aflac partnership, with the company’s promotional messaging inviting fans directly: “Join us and @aflacduck for an unforgettable panel conversation featuring an incredible lineup.”
A South Carolina connection running through the panel
The panelist lineup carries real Gamecock significance. Dawn Staley, the architect of South Carolina’s dynasty and one of the most respected voices in the sport at any level, headlines the group. She’s joined by Raven Johnson, who just wrapped up her decorated South Carolina career this past season as one of the most accomplished floor generals in program history before moving on to the WNBA. Having both a legendary head coach and one of her recent star pupils on the same panel offers a compelling generational thread — a chance for fans to hear directly from both the architect of a championship culture and a player who lived through it as a central piece.
Rounding out an all-time lineup
The panel isn’t limited to South Carolina figures. Diana Taurasi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in WNBA history, brings a career’s worth of championship pedigree and blunt, respected commentary to the conversation. Kayla McBride, a veteran WNBA guard and repeat All-Star, adds a current-player perspective that complements Taurasi’s legacy status and Staley’s coaching lens.
The event will be hosted by Ari Chambers, a familiar voice in women’s basketball media coverage, who will guide the conversation across this mix of coaching, veteran and current-player viewpoints.
Why this panel matters
What makes this lineup particularly compelling is the range of perspectives represented on a single stage: a Hall of Fame-caliber head coach in Staley, an all-time great player in Taurasi, a proven current All-Star in McBride, and a rising professional in Johnson who’s just beginning her own WNBA journey after a celebrated college career. That spread — from a coach who has now spent decades shaping the sport’s culture to a player only months removed from college — should make for a wide-ranging discussion touching on everything from leadership and program-building to the current state of the women’s game.
For fans in Chicago this weekend, the panel offers a rare chance to hear directly from figures spanning multiple eras and roles within women’s basketball, all in one room, ahead of Saturday night’s marquee All-Star Game. Those interested in attending can find the RSVP link through Aflac’s promotional channels.
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