NBA YoungBoy Chicago concert canceled by United Center ahead of Make America Slime Again tour date

NBA YoungBoy’s scheduled performance at Chicago’s United Center was canceled less than two days before the show, according to a statement released by the venue on Monday. The concert, part of the rapper’s Make America Slime Again tour, was set for September 24.

“The United Center has made the decision to cancel the NBA YoungBoy show scheduled for Wednesday, September 24 in Chicago,” the venue said in a statement obtained by Variety. “If you purchased through Ticketmaster, refunds will be issued automatically. If you purchased from a third-party reseller, please reach out to your point of purchase.” A spokesperson for the United Center added that there would be “no further comment at this time.”

Ticketmaster also confirmed the cancelation to ticketholders, stating: “Unfortunately, the event organizer has had to cancel your event.”

The show had been booked for the 23,500-capacity arena. In the days leading up to the announcement, the venue had implemented new restrictions specifically for the performance, including a ban on all bags of any size, even clear ones.

Representatives for YoungBoy and his label did not immediately respond to Variety’s request for comment. However, the rapper’s manager criticized the cancelation on Instagram, claiming the United Center’s senior vice president of operations “didn’t want us to have fun.” His agent also posted, calling the decision “super disappointing” and attributing it to the “City of Chicago.”

YoungBoy, born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, has faced multiple legal challenges, including weapons and drug charges. He was sentenced in December 2024 to 23 months in prison for firearm possession but was released under house arrest in March 2025. Two months later, he received a pardon from former President Donald Trump. At the time, the rapper expressed gratitude, saying the pardon allowed him to continue his career and personal growth.