Former President Barack Obama surprised WNBA All-Stars during practice Friday at the Obama Presidential Center and offered personal words of encouragement to Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark amid the intense scrutiny that has followed her since she entered the league.
Obama, a longtime basketball fan, made the rounds shaking hands and posing for photos with players on the center’s indoor court during AT&T WNBA All-Star Media Day and Practice. When he reached Clark, the 24-year-old three-time All-Star, he told her she was “great” and “fantastic” before delivering a direct message about handling fame and outside noise.
“Don’t let all this nonsense get you down,” Obama said, according to video circulating on social media and confirmed by multiple outlets. “I always say one of the things that was luckiest for me was I didn’t get famous until I was like 45. So I was an old-ass man. You’re my daughter’s age. … So don’t lose that joy. The game’s the game, and you’re a hooper. You’re always hooping, and you’re on a nice little run right now.”
The “nonsense” referred to the constant media attention and social media commentary that has trailed Clark since she was selected No. 1 overall by the Fever in the 2024 draft. The Iowa product has drawn both massive popularity and sharp criticism as one of the most visible faces of the WNBA’s growth.
Obama: “You’re fantastic. Don’t let all this nonsense get you down…I didn’t get famous til I was like 45 I mean you’re my daughters age…so don’t lose that joy…and you’re a hooper.”
Caitlin: “I try sometimes.”
Obama: “No you’re always hooping and you’re on a nice little run.” pic.twitter.com/eMVO6j5kQg
— correlation (@nosyone4) July 24, 2026
Clark later described the exchange as meaningful. She asked Obama for a photo and reflected on the advice.
“You always remember why you play the game. I play it because I love it and I haven’t lost that joy,” Clark said. “There’s going to be some people that love you and some people that hate you, and that’s just the reality of the world when you get into a position like this. That’s also a good thing for the game. Not everybody’s going to be your biggest fan. I’m trying to navigate a lot of different things while trying to play basketball at the same time. So it was cool to hear that from him. And I think, honestly, it’s probably a good reminder for all of us of treating people with respect, treating people with grace, and definitely a moment I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life. My hands don’t get usually pretty sweaty and clammy for certain things, but definitely for that.”
The Fever entered the All-Star break on a strong note, having won five of their previous six games. Clark continues to lead the charge for a franchise that has seen rising attendance and national interest tied largely to her arrival.
Caitlin on meeting President Obama
“He complimented me for how I handle everything obviously with everything going on…he reminded me ‘when I got famous in my 40s I didn’t have to do it in my 20s’…definitely a moment I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life.” pic.twitter.com/7K1bUW9Po5
— correlation (@nosyone4) July 24, 2026
Obama’s appearance was part of broader All-Star Weekend activities hosted at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center. He addressed the group of players more generally, thanking those involved in community work and youth initiatives, and even shared a light moment on the court with New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones. He noted he would not attend Saturday’s All-Star Game at the United Center because of a prior commitment with Michelle Obama.
Players across the league expressed appreciation for the visit. Several described Obama as a genuine supporter of women’s basketball who has shown consistent interest over the years.
The interaction between Obama and Clark stood out for its personal tone. At a time when Clark has faced both celebration and criticism at an unusually high volume for a player still early in her professional career, the former president’s message centered on preserving the simple joy of the game.
