Former US President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance at the WNBA All-Star Weekend on Friday in Chicago. He greeted and posed for photos with the 2026 All-Stars and notably offered advice to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.

Several clips and photos of Obama's visit surfaced on social media. An account with the handle @zulueditsae shared a clip where Obama and Clark's interaction was captured.

Many fans reacted to Clark's encounter with the 44th US president.

Here are other reactions:

Friday's WNBA All-Star events, including the All-Star Game practice and media day, took place at the recently inaugurated Obama Presidential Center. The presidential library was dedicated to commemorate the Obama presidency.

Obama, who hails from Chicago, told the WNBA All-Stars that he and former First Lady Michelle Obama would be unable to attend Saturday's All-Star Game due to a prior commitment.

The 3-point contest and Shooting Stars will be held at Wintrust Arena, while the All-Star Game will be at United Center, the home of the NBA's Chicago Bulls.

In her media availability on Friday, Caitlin Clark said her encounter and the advice she received from former President Barack Obama would be memorable to her.

Clark added that her brief conversation with Obama could be a reminder for people to treat each other with "respect" and "grace."

Clark will make her third All-Star Game appearance as a starter, leading Team Teresa Weatherspoon against Team Cynthia Cooper.

Quick Links