Obama meets WNBA All-Stars ahead of Chicago’s second hosting of league event
The WNBA All-Star roster features Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Atlanta Dream’s Angel Reese, while local Chicago Sky players remain absent from the lineup.
Former US President Barack Obama met with members of the WNBA All-Star team at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago ahead of the league’s 30th season celebrations. The gathering occurred well before the scheduled tip-off for Saturday’s All-Star Game, with Obama addressing the athletes on a regulation-size basketball court located within the centre.
During the meeting, Obama offered congratulations to the players, stating he was “proud of what you guys are doing.” The event marks the second time Chicago has hosted the All-Star Game, with the city currently accommodating a busy schedule that includes basketball, baseball, and street festivals.
The All-Star roster highlights Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, who was voted in as a starter, and Atlanta Dream’s Angel Reese, who was selected as a reserve. Reese is a former Chicago Sky player, but no current Sky athletes are included in the All-Star lineup despite the team’s historical connection to the host city.
The broader All-Star Weekend features WNBA Live, an interactive fan festival taking place at McCormick Place. Amanda Allhouse, the WNBA senior director, described the event as offering various activities for attendees, including photo opportunities and custom merchandise. The festival aims to provide an engaging experience for fans as the league marks its three-decade milestone.
While the All-Star Game spotlights the league’s top performers, the surrounding events focus on broader fan engagement. Attendees have expressed enthusiasm for the basketball activities, with the city preparing to host a range of sporting and cultural events throughout the weekend.
