By: Betty Cantley
Chicago, Illinois – Ahead of the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, former President Barack Obama made a memorable surprise appearance during the league’s practice session on Friday, July 24, 2026.
The visit took place at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center “Home Court” Facility on Chicago’s South Side, marking the first time a professional sports league used its athletic facilities.
Some key moments and highlights from his surprise visit included:
– Addressing the All-Stars: Obama walked
in through a side door to surprise the 22
All-Stars, coaches, and league legends.
He praised the players, stating, ” The way
the games have been growing lately and
the way the game has been picking up
people have been paying attention to
your excellence…. It has been a sight to
see.”
– Heart-to-Heart with Caitlin Clark: Obama
spent time chatting individually with
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, offering
words of encouragement regarding the
intense media spotlight and scrutiny she
faces. Clark noted that he told her
“When I got famous in my 40s, I didn’t
have to do it in my 20s….So don’t lose
that joy.” Clark later called the meeting
a moment she would remember for the
rest of her life.
• Oncourt Fun: After mingling, taking
photos, and posing for a selfie with
players like Angel Reese and A’ja
Wilson, Obama stepped onto the court
to playfully drop into a brief defensive
stance against New York Liberty star
Jonquel Jones. He joked to the players
that while he broke in on the court
playing a game of “horse,” he avoided
5-on-5 full games now to protect his
Achilles. (Per WNBA.com)