Cathy Engelbert is already facing plenty of backlash, and yet she continues steering the league forward. This latest announcement was meant to be a fresh development, offering a break from the uncertainty the WNBA currently faces amid looming CBA negotiations, rival leagues, and organizational instability. And sure enough, the news got everyone talking… just not in the way the commissioner may have expected. The 2026 All-Star Game venue was revealed, and reactions were swift– and heated.

The WNBA is set to light up Chicago again in 2026, as the league and Chicago Sky announced the All-Star Game’s return–this time with a bigger stage and a fresh twist. The main event will tip off on July 25 at the legendary United Center, while the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge will be showcased a day earlier, on July 24, at the Sky’s home court, Wintrust Arena.

“The WNBA is thrilled to bring AT&T WNBA All-Star back to Chicago, which will undoubtedly deliver unforgettable competition and community outreach,” Cathy Engelbert said in her statement. “Together with the Chicago Sky, we look forward to celebrating the game’s brightest stars, engaging WNBA fans around the world, and showcasing the energy of one of basketball’s most iconic cities.” Jerry Goldman, vice president of booking at the United Center, added:

“We’re ecstatic to host the 2026 WNBA All-Star game and build on the two sell-out Chicago Sky games played at the United Center this year…We look forward to partnering with the Sky and the WNBA to create an unforgettable experience in Chicago.”

This marks the second time the All-Star Game will be held in Chicago, following the 2022 edition at Wintrust Arena, where the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Shootout were held at a convention center accessible only to select fans. The Sky also played two regular-season games at the United Center this past season against Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever.

The Sky are also in the process of building a $38 million practice facility, expected to open in 2026. The All-Star weekend could serve as a first look for players, similar to when the Phoenix Mercury debuted their new facility at the 2024 All-Star festivities.

While there are solid reasons for the All-Star Game to return to Chicago, fans weren’t exactly thrilled — and, as usual, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert bore the brunt of the backlash. Social media lit up with thousands of reactions reflecting the frustration, and here’s a glimpse at what people had to say.

Fans react to Cathy Engelbert’s decision to host the All-Star Game in Chicago

The first major concern from fans? Chicago just hosted the All-Star Game not too long ago, and it was a disaster. One fan was quick to point that out, asking, “Will it be as half-baked as the last time in Chicago?”

For context, the league held the All-Star Game in the Windy City once before, and it fell short of the festival-like experience fans had come to expect. But why did it miss the mark?

While the Windy City hosted the All-Star Game in 2022 at Wintrust Arena, the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Shootout were held at a convention center. The biggest issue with holding some of the events at a convention center was that only a select few fans were able to watch these events live. And it ended up spoiling the excitement for everyone.

Safety concerns are also a major talking point. “So, apparently, Chicago is safe,” one fan highlighted, pointing to the city’s troubling statistics. Chicago has led U.S. cities in homicides every year since 2012, with 573 recorded in 2024 alone, according to Al Jazeera. It’s no wonder many fans are hesitant to bring their families to the game.

Another fan chimed in, questioning Engelbert’s move: “Giving one of the worst-run franchises in all of sports an All-Star Game is a choice.”

Their frustration isn’t unfounded. A recent survey by The Athletic ranked the Chicago Sky as the league’s worst-run franchise, receiving 40.7% of the votes. They edged out the Connecticut Sun (29.6%), Los Angeles Sparks (14.8%), and Dallas Wings (7.4%). It is likely due to many factors. Players cited instability, frequent coaching changes, and lack of a dedicated facility as reasons for their vote, despite the Sky having won a championship just four years ago.

The Sky has long struggled with the lack of a dedicated training facility and a clear organizational vision. Add to that controversies like Angel Reese’s suspension this season for calling the organization out, and it’s easy to see why fans are fed up.

Chicago finished 12th under coach Tyler Marsh, yet they still get to host the All-Star Games. “Y’all rewarding the worst-run franchise. Why does the W keep rewarding mediocrity?” another fan fired off, echoing the sentiment of many.

For some, the news was a welcome sign. “This just means Reese is staying in Chi-Town,” a fan said. Angel Reese’s future will be one of the biggest storylines of the season. She’s been vocal about wanting the Sky to bring in better talent, and while trade rumors linking her to the Dallas Wings continue to swirl, fans are hopeful that Chicago’s sole All-Star this year will stick around and represent the team once more.

But fans had even more reasons to put pressure on Cathy Engelbert. “How about getting that CBA done first please and thank you,” one fan tweeted, perfectly capturing the frustration. If the league enters a lockout because the WNBPA and WNBA don’t reach an agreement before the October 31 deadline, what’s the point of hosting an All-Star Game while the league itself is on pause? Engelbert’s resistance to offering players a better revenue-sharing model has delayed progress, and it’s increasingly likely that an extension will be needed to reach a resolution.

Engelbert hasn’t exactly been a popular figure lately, especially after Napheesa Collier’s exit interview, which sparked questions about her future in the organization. Even Adam Silver has acknowledged that the relationship between the players and the commissioner has become strained.

So, no matter what she does, criticism seems inevitable–but giving Chicago the All-Star Game raises some serious questions. What’s your take? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.