Barack Obama surprises WNBA All-Stars at their practice at his Presidential Center - NBC Sports

What the report says

NBCSports.com, carrying an Associated Press report, said former President Barack Obama made an unannounced appearance before WNBA All-Stars at a practice held at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The report said Obama entered from a side door, surprising the 22 players gathered there ahead of the All-Star Game. He spoke briefly to the group, praising the players and noting the recent growth in attention around the league.

According to the report, Obama spent several minutes greeting players, posing for group and individual photos, and speaking with several stars. Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese took a selfie with him, while Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark posed with Obama and then included Fever teammates Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. He also acknowledged Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson and spoke with New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones, briefly stepping into a defensive stance on the court.

The AP report said the WNBA was the first professional sports league to use the basketball court at the Obama Presidential Center, which opened in June. Obama told players he would not attend the All-Star Game because of a prior engagement with Michelle Obama, and joked that he no longer plays full 5-on-5 basketball to protect his Achilles, though he had played “horse” on the court.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the league’s presence at the center was fitting for its 30th anniversary, citing Obama’s public connection to basketball. After meeting the players, Obama also addressed league investors and nearly 100 high school girls at the center, according to the report.