Barack Obama surprises WNBA All-Stars ahead of practice in Chicago: 'I could not be a bigger fan'

Julia Poe and Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune on Jul 24, 2026

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CHICAGO — Former President Barack Obama surprised the players and coaches of the WNBA All-Star team Friday morning during a practice at the Obama Presidential Center.

The team — which includes stars like A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark — was scheduled to practice at the Home Court on the campus of the Obama Center ahead of Saturday’s All-Star Game at the United Center. Before the practice began, Obama stepped out onto the court to greet players and congratulate the league on its continued growth.

“All of you are extraordinary and I could not be a bigger fan,” Obama said. “The way that the game has been going lately, the way it’s been picking up … I think it’s been something for basketball fans generally be excited to see. It’s been making me happy.”

The All-Star practice marked the first time that the Obama Center courts have been used for a full-scale basketball event. Obama also dropped in to speak at other WNBA All-Star events occurring Friday on the campus, including a Changemaker Day event focused on community impact.

Wilson mentioned she collaborated on an ad with one of Obama’s daughters, while former Chicago Sky player — and current Atlanta Dream All-Star — Angel Reese said her foundation is also working with the Obama Foundation.

“We really were just talking hoops. You can tell he’s always been a hooper. It doesn’t leave his blood,” WNBPA Nneka Ogwumike said. “We’ve known from the beginning that he’s followed us and is such a fan of women’s basketball. To be able to celebrate 30 years here in the Obama Center, it feels very right.”

Obama said he christened the court a month before the official opening of the presidential campus with a game of H.O.R.S.E. — and admitted he lost that inaugural game.

He teased the assembled WNBA players for their relaxed approach to Friday’s practice, bowing out of going 1-on-1 with any of the league’s top stars after briefly guarding New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones.

“I don’t run full court no more to protect my Achilles,” the former president joked.

After posing for a photo opportunity, Obama took time to speak with each All-Star individually.

“Oh my God, that was so cool,” said Kahleah Copper, the former Sky star currently with the Phoenix Mercury. “The coolest thing for me is just how personable he is. It’s so genuine. He was just like, ‘You’re having a great season. I’m super proud of you.’ I’m like, ‘OK, are you watching me?’ ”