Obama Cheers WNBA
Obama praises WNBA All-Stars at Presidential Center, bonds with Caitlin Clark over navigating fame
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Key Points
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Obama greeted the WNBA All-Stars on the basketball court at the Barack Obama Presidential Center and told them, 'Congratulations on the WNBA - I could not be prouder of what you guys are doing.'
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Clark and Obama bonded over navigating media exposure, with Clark recalling his compliment that 'When I got famous in my 40s, I didn’t have to do it in my 20s.'
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Clark added that her palms were 'pretty sweaty and clammy' during the exchange with Obama, underscoring the moment's nerves and significance.
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Obama told the All-Stars 'I could not be bigger fans,' a line highlighted by coverage of his greeting at the event.
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The All-Star weekend in Chicago included scheduled events such as WNBA Live at McCormick Place, Skills Night with Shooting Stars and the 3-Point Contest, and the All-Star Game at the United Center.
Former President Barack Obama surprised all 22 WNBA All-Stars during a practice session at his newly opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, telling the players, "I could not be prouder of what you guys are doing." The visit made the players — including Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark — the first professional athletes to play on the center's basketball court, according to Yahoo Sports.
The surprise stop kicked off a packed All-Star Weekend in Chicago that included WNBA Live at McCormick Place, Skills Night featuring the Shooting Stars and 3-Point Contest, and the All-Star Game at the United Center.
Obama Walks Onto the Court and Stuns the All-Stars
Obama walked into the Obama Presidential Center's gym unannounced while the 22 All-Stars were in the middle of practice. The moment stunned the room. Rolling Out described it as a "surprise cameo" that left players starstruck. Obama greeted the group warmly and told them, "I could not be bigger fans."
The Obama Presidential Center had just opened in Chicago's South Side. No professional sports team had ever used its basketball court before. The All-Stars were the first, making the practice itself already historic before Obama even walked in, according to Yahoo Sports.
Caitlin Clark's Sweaty Palms and a Lesson on Fame
Clark had a personal moment with Obama that she won't forget soon. The two bonded over what it feels like to be famous. Obama told her, "When I got famous in my 40s, I didn't have to do it in my 20s." The comment was a nod to the enormous spotlight Clark has faced as a young star in the WNBA, according to Yahoo Sports.
Clark later admitted her palms were "pretty sweaty and clammy" during the exchange. She called it a memorable moment. Clark's Fever teammates Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston were also there, posing for photos and sharing brief conversations with the former president.
Obama's Words of Pride and Encouragement to the Players
Obama praised the players for what the WNBA has become. "Congratulations on the WNBA — I could not be prouder of what you guys are doing," he told them, according to Yahoo Sports. He also shared thoughts on how much media attention the league now receives and offered encouragement to the young athletes navigating that spotlight.
The visit drew wide coverage across outlets. Rolling Out highlighted how players reacted with visible excitement and smiles. Obama's tone was warm and personal throughout, making the stop feel less like a formal appearance and more like a genuine conversation between a fan and the players he admires.
All-Star Weekend Events Spread Across Chicago
Beyond the Obama Center visit, All-Star Weekend filled Chicago with WNBA events. Fans gathered at McCormick Place for WNBA Live. Skills Night brought the Shooting Stars competition and the 3-Point Contest. The main event — the All-Star Game — took place at the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls, according to Yahoo Sports.
Chicago hosted all of it in the same city where Obama launched his political career. Having the Obama Presidential Center serve as the practice site added a local and historical layer to a weekend already packed with meaning for women's basketball.
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