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Obama surprises Chicago WNBA All-Stars, praises Clark

7/25/2026

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Summary

Obama Visits WNBA

Former President Barack Obama surprised WNBA All-Stars at a Chicago practice on July 24, 2026.
He shook hands, posed for photos, and told guard Caitlin Clark she was “fantastic,” not to let “nonsense” discourage her, noting his fame began at 45.
He briefly guarded center Jonquel Jones on the court and joked about protecting his Achilles.
Coach Cheryl Reeve and her 11-year-old son Oliver recalled Obama’s 2016 high-five.

Summary

WNBA Marks 30th

The WNBA marked its 30th season during the All-Star weekend in Chicago.
At McCormick Place, the league hosted the interactive WNBA Live festival with shooting contests, photo opportunities and customized merchandise.
Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream earned an All-Star reserve spot despite no current Chicago Sky players on the roster.
Senior director Amanda Allhouse highlighted the festival’s wide range of fan activities.

History

Historical Context

Approved by the NBA in April 1996, the WNBA began an eight-team season in June 1997 after the U.S. women’s Olympic gold. Chicago Sky expanded the league in 2006, and corporate sponsorship reached $12 million. At the 2026 Chicago All-Star Game, former President Barack Obama praised Caitlin Clark while Angel Reese earned a reserve spot, marking the league’s three-decade growth.

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Obama Visits WNBA

Former President Barack Obama surprised WNBA All-Stars at a Chicago practice on July 24, 2026.
He shook hands, posed for photos, and told guard Caitlin Clark she was “fantastic,” not to let “nonsense” discourage her, noting his fame began at 45.
He briefly guarded center Jonquel Jones on the court and joked about protecting his Achilles.
Coach Cheryl Reeve and her 11-year-old son Oliver recalled Obama’s 2016 high-five.

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