Obama WNBA All-Stars visit brings advice for Caitlin Clark

Barack Obama dropped into WNBA All-Stars weekend in Chicago on Friday, meeting players at the Obama Presidential Center’s indoor court and spending a notable moment with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, ESPN reported.

The former president shook hands, posed for photos and spoke with players during a media session at the center, which opened in June. The visit came one day before the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET Saturday on ABC.

What did Obama tell Caitlin Clark?

In a video posted on social media by X user @zulueditsae, Obama told Clark she was “great” and “fantastic” and urged her not to let outside noise take away her enjoyment of basketball. He said one of his lucky breaks was becoming famous later in life, while Clark, 24, is the age of his daughters.

Clark, a three-time All-Star and the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, has been a frequent subject of media and social media discussion since entering the league. ESPN reported that she asked Obama for a photo and later told reporters his message meant a lot.

Clark said she plays because she loves the game and has not lost that joy. She also said public attention brings both support and criticism, and called Obama’s advice a reminder about treating people with respect and grace.

The Fever entered the All-Star break at 17-10 after winning five of their previous six games, according to ESPN.

Why did Obama meet the WNBA All-Stars?

Obama told the players he could not attend Saturday’s game because of a prior commitment with former first lady Michelle Obama, according to ESPN. He said he still wanted to meet the All-Stars and thanked players who have worked off the court to support and inspire young people.

The moment landed across the room. Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey said she was surprised Obama knew about her 53-point game on June 25, which tied the WNBA single-game scoring record, ESPN reported.

New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart also had a history with Obama. She visited the White House each year while at UConn, when the Huskies won four straight NCAA championships from 2013 through 2016. Stewart told reporters that Obama has continued to ask about her family and called him a major basketball fan and advocate.

Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve had her own reunion. ESPN reported that Reeve visited Obama with the Lynx after WNBA titles in 2011, 2013 and 2015. During the 2016 visit, her young son Oliver cried while Obama was speaking, prompting the president to invite him onstage for a high-five. On Friday, Obama met Oliver again, now 11.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese said she had a near brush with Obama before the event, telling reporters her plane was held after landing Thursday because of a VIP nearby. When she learned it was Obama, she laughed off the delay, ESPN reported.

Obama also gave the players a little basketball update of his own. He said he no longer plays full-court games to protect his Achilles, but he had opened the Obama Center court with a game of HORSE, which he said he lost.

He still got in one playful possession Friday, briefly defending Liberty center Jonquel Jones as she dribbled. Jones told reporters Obama had a good defensive stance and called it a lighthearted moment with someone she looks up to.

Chicago is hosting the WNBA All-Star Game for the second time. ESPN noted that the 2022 game was held at Wintrust Arena, which seats 10,387, while this year’s game moves to the United Center, listed at 20,917.

This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.