Despite WNBA All-Star Weekend shortfalls, Sky believe the event has strength to stand alone

The WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago had some obvious issues, beginning with the scheduling of the league’s fan occasions. Only two had been open to most people: Sunday’s recreation and “WNBA Live,” an out of doors match with interactive reviews for enthusiasts.

When requested why it used to be now not open to enthusiasts — in particular a Chance the Rapper live performance that used to be closed to most people — WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert cited issues about protection and conceivable gun violence. But a spokesman for the Chicago Police Department showed to the Sun-Times that the restriction on outside occasions used to be now not at the recommendation of CPD, as Engelbert firstly claimed.

Several discussions had been held between Chicago Police Department and safety staff, however at no level has it been urged that outside actions be decreased or canceled, the spokesman mentioned.

Player comments at the All-Star Game used to be most often sure, with many pronouncing it used to be the most efficient in WNBA historical past. Sky CEO/President Adam Fox mentioned the staff is concerned with website hosting once more.

But the way in which fan occasions had been treated urged a distinct manner — particularly that long run All-Star Weekends must be held at the side of the NBA’s Summer League.

Lakers celebrity LeBron James shared his improve for the concept that, however heaven did not agree.

“Why do we have to come to ourselves? [the NBA]?” said general manager/coach James Wade. “That’s a lazy abstract. I feel it is nice that the fellows need to improve us. It has to head on. But they are able to come to Chicago or anyplace we move. We do not wish to be paired with the Summer League.”