Former President Obama Meets WNBA All-Stars at His Presidential Center

On a memorable Friday, Caitlin Clark had the opportunity to meet former President Barack Obama at the Presidential Center. The encounter left a lasting impression on Clark, who described it as a moment she’ll cherish forever. “It was obviously super cool. He just complimented me for the way that I handle everything,” shared Clark, an Indiana Fever star.

Obama spoke with the WNBA players for a short time, reflecting on his own experience with fame. “When I got famous in my 40s, I didn’t have to do it in my 20s,” he noted, emphasizing the challenges faced by young athletes in the public spotlight. On the basketball court where the meeting took place, Obama expressed his admiration for the players’ talents. “All of you are extraordinary and I could not be bigger fans,” he stated, highlighting the growth of the women’s game and the attention it has garnered.

Following his remarks, Obama took part in a group photo, spending additional time engaging with the players, including Clark. “I know many of you are involved in some wonderful ventures off the court,” he said, appreciating their community efforts.

During the visit, Obama also interacted with A’ja Wilson and had a moment on the court with Jonquel Jones of the New York Liberty. Jones recalled their brief on-court interaction. “I feel like as a hooper, you know when someone’s challenging you. So I was just like, let me go over there with the basketball,” she said.

Obama shared his reasons for not playing 5-on-5 anymore, mentioning he protects his Achilles, but he humorously admitted to breaking in the court with a game of “horse.” The occasion also marked the first professional sport to utilize the basketball court at the center, which had opened in June.

Obama, a longtime supporter of women’s basketball, once attended a WNBA game in 2010 with his daughter Sasha. He was given a No. 44 WNBA All-Star jersey to be autographed by the players. Unfortunately, Obama couldn’t attend the All-Star Game this time due to commitments with his wife, Michelle.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted the significance of their visit to the Center. “It’s fitting for our 30th anniversary that we’re here as the first sports league to play in the Obama Presidential Center,” Engelbert stated, acknowledging Obama’s inspirational legacy and his ties to basketball.

After meeting with the players, Obama reached out to engage with a group of league investors and nearly 100 high school girls, offering words of inspiration.