Former President Obama surprises WNBA All-Stars at practice

Former President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to the WNBA All-Stars on Friday at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The former president spent time with the players during their practice session ahead of the upcoming All-Star Game at the United Center.

During the visit, Obama interacted with several players and took a moment to share some perspective with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. He encouraged her to maintain her joy despite the intensity of the media attention she faces. The former president emphasized that the game itself remains the priority and praised the professionalism displayed by the league's top talent.

The interaction left a strong impression on the attendees. Players like Marina Mabrey noted their appreciation for the former president taking the time to engage with them and show familiarity with recent league highlights. Others shared memories of previous visits to the White House during his administration, including championship teams from Connecticut and Minnesota.

Obama participated in lighthearted moments, including a defensive demonstration against New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones and a brief mention of a game of HORSE played on the center's court. While he noted that his own court time is now limited to protect his health, his presence provided a memorable experience for the All-Stars. The former president expressed his gratitude to the athletes for their off-court work in inspiring younger generations before heading to a prior commitment, confirming he would not be in attendance for the game itself on Saturday.