Former President Barack Obama pulled off a massive surprise Friday, popping in on the WNBA All-Stars right as their practices were kicking off. The 22 All-Stars were gathered on the WNBA-regulation Home Court at the new Obama Presidential Center’s basketball court in Chicago, thinking they were just getting started with dignitaries and foundation reps, when Obama himself showed up as the first person to welcome them to the court he originally christened.
“Could Not Be Prouder”: Obama Praises WNBA’s Unstoppable Rise
Obama wasn’t just there to say hello, he came with serious praise for the league’s incredible momentum. “The way the game has been going lately, the way it’s been picking up, and people paying attention to your excellence, I think has been something for basketball fans generally a sight to see,” he told the players. He added that the league’s growth “It’s been making me happy.” Obama made it clear he’s watching, applauding their “excellence on the court” and their “wonderful ventures off the court,” including their work inspiring young people. He even managed to rib them a bit as practice got going, joking, “This doesn’t look like the toughest practice I’ve ever seen,” but suspected it would get “a little competitive toward the end of the game.”
More Than Just a Fan: Obama’s Deep Basketball Roots
Obama wrapped up his appearance by reiterating just how impressed he is with the game’s expansion. “Could not be prouder of what you guys are doing,” he said. “You’re well deserving of all your success, and seeing the fan base grow and the attention grow, that’s exactly where it should be.” This surprise visit happened at the Obama Presidential Center, which opened its doors in June on Chicago’s South Side, featuring a dedicated 60,000-square-foot building with the basketball court he famously initiated with a game of “H.O.R.S.E.” It’s no secret Obama is a huge basketball fan, having played recreationally for years. He even attended the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles earlier this year and joined NBA Africa as a strategic partner and minority owner in 2021, on top of hosting multiple WNBA championship teams during his time in the White House.
The All-Stars finished their practice and media availability at the Obama Center, gearing up for Friday night’s 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge at Wintrust Arena. Unfortunately, Obama won’t be able to make it to Saturday night’s All-Star Game at the United Center, but his surprise appearance definitely set the tone for an epic weekend.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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