Caitlin Clark Obama chat cuts through WNBA noise at All-Star practice
Barack Obama encouraged Caitlin Clark at WNBA All-Star practice as she addressed recent controversy, threats and scrutiny around the league.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
Caitlin Clark Obama chatter took over WNBA All-Star practice Friday after the former president made a surprise stop in Chicago and offered the Indiana Fever guard a public dose of encouragement during a noisy stretch for the league.
NBC Chicago captured Obama speaking with Clark at practice, where he praised her play and urged her not to let the outside chatter drag her down. He told her she was “fantastic,” called her “a hooper,” and said she was on “a nice little run.”
Clark later told reporters the exchange left her unusually rattled, joking that her hands became “sweaty and clammy” while talking with Obama. She said he complimented how she has dealt with attention and reminded her that he became famous in his 40s, while she is facing intense scrutiny in her 20s.
The moment came with Clark and other WNBA All-Stars in Chicago for All-Star weekend. CBS Sports reported that Obama met players Friday morning ahead of the weekend’s events.
What did Barack Obama say to Caitlin Clark?
According to video from NBC Chicago, Obama told Clark not to let the “nonsense” around her affect her and encouraged her to keep the joy in her game. Clark said the message landed because Obama has long dealt with heavy media attention himself.
Clark told reporters the conversation was a reminder about treating people with respect and grace. She also said it was a moment she expects to remember for the rest of her life.
The Fever star, who became a national name at Iowa, is in her third WNBA season. She is set to play in her second All-Star Game this week after missing last season’s game in Indiana because of injury.
Her on-court run has been loud, too. CBS Sports noted that Clark recently posted the WNBA’s first 45-point, 10-assist double-double in a win over the Seattle Storm.
Why has Caitlin Clark been part of WNBA controversy?
Clark has been at the center of several league flashpoints, including a recent incident involving Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas. CBS Sports reported that Thomas made contact with Clark’s throat on a play that was not called during the game, before the league reviewed it later and issued Thomas a suspension.
Thomas accepted the punishment, according to CBS Sports, but said she and some teammates had been harassed and threatened afterward. Clark publicly condemned death threats directed at Thomas following the incident.
Officiating has also remained a hot subject around the WNBA. CBS Sports reported that the question of whether Clark is being protected enough frequently explodes on social media, even as Clark herself has drawn official discipline.
Clark picked up her seventh technical foul of the season this week, according to CBS Sports. One more technical would bring an automatic suspension.
Asked Friday about the nonstop reaction to her, Clark said many people comment on her character without knowing her. She told reporters she tries to keep going while treating others with respect, kindness and love.
Clark will not take part in Friday’s 3-point contest, CBS Sports reported. She is scheduled to suit up for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday night.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.