Barack Obama scanned the WNBA All-Stars gathered in Chicago, then stopped when he spotted A’ja Wilson.
“I see you, A’ja Wilson,” the former president said. “You know, MVP.”
Obama later hugged the Las Vegas Aces star before the two posed for a selfie. The moment gave Las Vegas a direct connection to his surprise appearance Friday at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center.
A surprise entrance
The WNBA became the first professional sports league to stage programming at the center in Chicago’s Jackson Park.
All-Star practice and Media Day took place inside Home Court, the center’s 60,000-square-foot athletic and events facility. The building includes a WNBA-regulation court and space for sports, wellness, leadership and youth programs.
Obama entered during practice and praised the players for helping grow the league. He also recognized their work away from basketball.
“All of you are extraordinary,” Obama said. “I could not be a bigger fan.”
He said the increased attention on the players’ excellence had been rewarding for basketball fans. He also said the league’s growing audience was “exactly where it should be.”
Obama kept the mood light. He joked that the All-Star practice did not look especially demanding.
He also said he would miss Saturday’s game because of another commitment involving Michelle Obama.
“I don’t mess with my wife,” he said.
Wilson gets her moment
Obama made sure Wilson knew he was paying attention.
His MVP reference came near the end of remarks celebrating the league’s stars and continued growth.
Wilson and Obama then spoke briefly, embraced and took a selfie. The interaction gave the Aces one of the event’s most visible moments.
It also fit Obama’s wider message. He praised the players for their excellence, influence and work with young people.
Clark takes his advice
Obama also spent time with Caitlin Clark, who said the players did not know he was coming.
Clark said organizers appeared to extend the previous speech while waiting for him to arrive. Then Obama walked through the door.
“It was obviously super cool,” Clark said.
Obama complimented Clark on how she has handled intense attention at 24. He reminded her that he did not become famous until his 40s.
“Don’t let all this nonsense get you down,” Obama told her. “Don’t lose that joy.”
Clark said the advice resonated because she is still learning how to balance scrutiny with basketball.
“It was cool to hear that from him,” Clark said. “It’s probably a good reminder for all of us of treating people with respect, treating people with grace.”
She called the meeting a moment she would remember for the rest of her life. Clark also joked that her hands became sweaty and clammy.
Jones tests the defense
Jonquel Jones gave Obama a different kind of test.
Jones dribbled toward the former president, who dropped into a defensive stance and deflected the ball.
“He was playing good ‘D,’” Jones said.
She then joked that she had gone out the night before and was not in her best form.
Obama had already helped open the court with a game of H-O-R-S-E. He told the players he lost and was not pleased about it.
He also said he no longer runs full court because he wants to protect his Achilles.
Hammon wants basketball centered
The visit came during another noisy week around the WNBA.
The league has faced questions about player harassment, online abuse and several controversies away from the court. Nneka Ogwumike, president of the players’ union, said recurring harassment could no longer be dismissed as growing pains.
However, Aces coach Becky Hammon also urged people to spend more time discussing the basketball.
“What we do have in common is basketball, and a love for this league, and pushing this league forward,” Hammon said.
She also called for greater attention on the WNBA’s talent.
“Talk about that,” Hammon said. “Talk about that more.”
Later Friday, the All-Star spotlight shifted to Wintrust Arena. Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd became the first rookie and first former UConn player to win the WNBA 3-point contest, beating Portland’s Bridget Carleton 30-19 in the final.
Team Washington then won the Shooting Stars competition behind Shakira Austin, Elena Delle Donne and high school standout GG Banks.
Obama’s appearance did not erase the serious issues surrounding the league. Still, it gave the players a lighter moment during a weekend built to celebrate them.
For Wilson and the Aces, it also delivered a simple acknowledgment from a former president who made clear he was watching.
“I see you, A’ja Wilson.”
Up next
Team Spoon will face Team Coop in the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game today, Saturday, at 5:30 p.m. PT at United Center in Chicago. ABC will televise the game.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Las Vegas Aces, Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
