The WNBA announced Wednesday that several 2026 All-Star events will take place at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

According to the league, three events will be hosted by the presidential center during the start of All-Star Weekend on July 24. These include the All-Star media day and practice, the 2026 WNBA Changemaker Day and the Jr. WNBA Day.

Several fans reacted to the WNBA's decision to tap the Obama Presidential Center for some All-Star events this season. Some fans cited that the choice was political.

Here are other reactions:

The league said it chose the Obama Presidential Center for its 60,000-square-foot athletic building and "Home Court." The "Home Court" features a WNBA-regulation basketball court and multi-purpose spaces, which could be utilized for the select All-Star events.

The center was inaugurated on June 18 and was opened the following day. It was meant to commemorate the presidency of Barack Obama.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said that the league chose the Obama Presidential Center to host several All-Star events to "celebrate basketball, culture, community impact and connection."

In addition to the presidential center dedicated to Former President Barack Obama, Wintrust Arena and United Center had been announced as the other venues of the All-Star festivities.

The 2026 WNBA 3-point Contest and the Shooting Stars will be on July 24 at Wintrust Arena, home of the Chicago Sky. The United Center, home of the NBA's Chicago Bulls, will be the venue for the 2026 All-Star Game on July 25.

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