On Friday, Caitlin Clark had a memorable experience meeting former President Barack Obama. This encounter took place at the WNBA All-Star event held at Obama’s Presidential Center. Clark described this meeting as a significant moment she will cherish. “It was obviously super cool,” said Clark, referring to her conversation with Obama. “He complimented me on how I manage everything that’s been happening,” the Indiana Fever player noted.
During his surprise visit, Obama addressed the WNBA players on the court of the center, which had opened recently. “Some of you I’m meeting for the first time. All of you are extraordinary, and I couldn’t be a bigger fan,” Obama expressed. He highlighted the growth and attention the game has received, which he found heartening as a basketball fan.
After speaking with the players briefly, Obama posed for a group photo and spent roughly 10 minutes interacting with them individually. He commended their efforts off the court as well, acknowledging their involvement in community ventures.
Obama also gave special recognition to A’ja Wilson during his discussion and spent additional time conversing with her. Later, he engaged with New York Liberty star Jonquel Jones in a playful exchange on the court. “I feel like as a hooper, you know when someone’s challenging you,” Jones mentioned, enjoying her brief sporty moment with Obama.
This was not Jones’s first meeting with Obama. She reflected on his role model status and his continuous contributions to the community, which she found motivating. Although Obama’s time on the court was limited, he mentioned he no longer plays 5-on-5 games to safeguard his Achilles but did enjoy a game of “horse” on the court.
Obama’s connection to basketball is longstanding. He was the first sitting U.S. President to attend a WNBA game, attending a Washington Mystics game in 2010 with his daughter, Sasha. He has also welcomed championship-winning teams to the White House. At the event, Obama received a No. 44 WNBA All-Star jersey, to be later autographed by the players.
The event marked the first professional sport to use the basketball court at the new center, launched in June. Obama, however, could not attend the All-Star Game on Saturday due to prior commitments with his wife, Michelle.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert commented, “It’s fitting for our 30th anniversary that we’re here as the first sports league to play in the Obama Presidential Center.” Engelbert highlighted Obama’s inspirational impact and his connection to basketball.
Following the interactions with the players, Obama proceeded to engage with a group of league investors and nearly 100 high school girls.