Full Breakdown
Barack Obama Visits WNBA All-Star Practice at New Obama Presidential Center
7/25/2026, 8:16:13 PM
Core Event: Surprise Appearance at All-Star Practice
On July 24, former President Barack Obama entered the indoor basketball court of the newly opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago and greeted the league’s 22 All-Stars during their pre-game practice. He shook hands, posed for photos, and spent several minutes speaking with players, including a brief defensive stand against New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones. Obama said a prior commitment with his wife, Michelle, would keep him from attending the All-Star Game itself.
Background & Context
The Obama Presidential Center opened to the public on June 18, marking the first time a professional sport has used the venue’s regulation-size court. The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend celebrates the league’s 30th season and is being held in Chicago for the second time. This year’s contest will be at the United Center, which seats 20,917 fans.
Key Figures & Groups
- Barack Obama — 44th U.S. President, lifelong basketball enthusiast.
- Caitlin Clark — Indiana Fever guard, three-time All-Star.
- Jonquel Jones — New York Liberty center.
- A’ja Wilson — Four-time WNBA MVP.
- Breanna Stewart — New York Liberty guard, former White House visitor.
- Cathy Engelbert — WNBA Commissioner.
Timeline
- June 18 – Obama Presidential Center opens.
- June 25 – Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey ties the WNBA single-game scoring record with 53 points; later mentioned by Obama.
- July 24 – Obama’s surprise visit to All-Star practice.
Data & Statistics
- 22 All-Star players attended the practice.
- United Center capacity 20,917 is roughly double that of the 2022 venue, Wintrust Arena (10,387).
- Indiana Fever entered the All-Star break with a 17-10 record, winning five of six games.
Official Statements & Responses
Obama praised the athletes as “extraordinary” and noted their community work: “I know many of you have been involved in ventures off the court, looking out for other young people and inspiring them.” He added that he could not attend Saturday’s All-Star Game because of a prior engagement with Michelle Obama.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said, “It’s fitting for our 30th anniversary that we’re here as the first sports league to play in the Obama Presidential Center.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Caitlin Clark said Obama’s encouragement reminded her to focus on why she plays the game.
Angel Reese joked about meeting Obama on her plane, recounting: “It’s so funny because when my plane was landing yesterday, he was right next to my plane.”
Cheryl Reeve noted that Obama once high-fived her son during a 2016 visit, illustrating his long-standing connection to the league.
Why It Matters / Impact
Obama’s appearance underscores his support for women’s basketball and aligns with the WNBA’s 30th-anniversary celebrations. By engaging directly with players and highlighting their off-court initiatives, the former president amplifies the league’s visibility and reinforces its cultural relevance. The event also marks a historic use of the Obama Presidential Center for a major professional-sport gathering.
What’s Next
The WNBA All-Star Game is scheduled for Saturday at the United Center, where the league’s top talent will compete in front of a capacity crowd. Obama will not be in attendance, but his remarks suggest continued advocacy for the sport and its players.
