Former President Barack Obama Surprises WNBA All-Stars While They Practice at His Presidential Center
Obama praised the players’ growing fan base and spent about 10 minutes shaking hands and taking photos with the 22 All-Stars.
- On Friday, Former President Barack Obama surprised 22 WNBA All-Stars at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, marking the first professional sport event held on the center's basketball court since it opened last month.
- During the visit, Obama told Caitlin Clark, "The game's like the game, and you're a hooper, and you hoop." He joked about his own fame, noting, "When I got famous in my 40s, I didn't have to do it in my 20s."
- The former president posed for photos with Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell before stepping onto the court in a defensive stance with New York Liberty star Jonquel Jones, whom Jones called "inspirational."
- WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert called the visit "fitting for our 30th anniversary." Following the practice, Obama met with league investors and nearly 100 high school girls to discuss community engagement.
- While the WNBA All-Star Game tips off Saturday, Obama confirmed he cannot attend due to a previous engagement with Michelle Obama. The event features matchups between teams led by Paige Bueckers and Clark.
122 Articles
122 Articles
WNBA Celebrates 30 Years with Record All-Star Turnout
CHICAGO — The WNBA celebrated its 30th anniversary with one of the biggest All-Star Weekends in league history. A record-setting weekend in Chicago showcased how much the league has grown over three decades, with memorable moments unfolding on and off the court before a sellout crowd at the United Center. Dallas Wings Represented in Every On-Court Event Dallas had a player in every major on-court event of the weekend. Fudd won the 3-Point Contes…
Obama drops in on WNBA All-Stars at his Presidential Center — and the league rolls out the red carpet
Former President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to WNBA All-Stars practicing at his recently opened Presidential Center, drawing gushing praise from players and league officials eager to celebrate the moment. Obama walked onto the basketball court before practice on Friday and addressed the assembled players, spending several minutes speaking to the group before posing...
Caitlin Clark reveals Barack Obama's inspiring message after surprise meeting ahead of WNBA All-Star: 'you're a hooper'
Caitlin Clark called meeting Barack Obama a moment she will probably remember for the rest of her life after their memorable interaction at WNBA All-Star.
Boyfriend Connor McCaffery Reacts As Camera Captures Barack Obama’s Advice to Caitlin Clark
Ever since Caitlin Clark joined the WNBA in 2024, the Indiana Fever star has had to navigate racially and politically charged controversies. NBA commissioner Adam Silver even described her as a “political football” after the Alyssa Thomas incident. So when she arrived in Chicago for the All-Star Weekend, former U.S. President Barack Obama made sure to remind her not to lose her “joy.” That moment didn’t go unnoticed by those closest to the Fever…
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