Angel Reese reveals special Barack Obama moment during WNBA All-Star surprise

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Angel Reese reveals special Barack Obama moment during WNBA All-Star surprise originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Angel Reese has already collected another memorable photo during a busy WNBA All-Star weekend in Chicago. Former President Barack Obama surprised the league’s All-Stars before their practice Friday at the Obama Presidential Center, giving Reese and several other players an opportunity to meet and take pictures with him.

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Reese made sure she came away with a personal keepsake.

“I got my selfie,” Reese told reporters with a smile after the surprise appearance.

Obama walked onto the court before practice and addressed the 22 All-Stars preparing for Saturday’s game at the United Center. He praised the players for helping elevate women’s basketball and said he has enjoyed watching the league’s continued growth.

“All of you are extraordinary, and I could not be a bigger fan,” Obama said, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The appearance was especially meaningful for Reese, who has strong connections to both Chicago and the Obama family.

Angel Reese shares special connection with Obama family

Reese spent her first two WNBA seasons with the Chicago Sky before joining the Atlanta Dream in 2026. Her Angel C. Reese Foundation is also working with the Obama Foundation, giving Friday’s interaction significance beyond a simple photo opportunity. The three-time WNBA All-Star recently appeared on Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson’s “IMO” podcast, where she discussed basketball, celebrity life and the increased scrutiny surrounding women’s sports.

Friday provided Reese with an opportunity to meet the former president in person while returning to the city where her WNBA career began. Obama spent approximately 10 minutes speaking with players and posing for pictures. Reese grabbed her selfie, while Caitlin Clark invited Indiana Fever teammates Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell to join her photo with Obama.

The former president also spoke with A’ja Wilson and briefly dropped into a defensive stance against New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones.

Obama wisely declined the opportunity to play a full game against the All-Stars.

“I don’t run full court no more to protect my Achilles,” he joked.

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Barack Obama celebrates WNBA growth

The practice carried historical significance for the WNBA and the newly opened Obama Presidential Center. It marked the first full-scale professional basketball event held on the center’s court. Obama told the players he had previously christened the floor by playing a game of H.O.R.S.E., although he admitted he lost.

The WNBA’s presence at the center also felt appropriate during the league’s 30th anniversary season. Obama has long followed basketball and hosted WNBA and NCAA championship teams at the White House during his presidency.

“You can tell he’s always been a hooper,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said. “It doesn’t leave his blood.”

Reese will now turn her attention to Saturday’s All-Star Game. The Dream forward entered the break averaging 15.4 points and 11.5 rebounds while helping Atlanta reach 16-10 and climb near the top of the Eastern Conference.

Before stepping onto the court at the United Center, however, Reese secured one of the weekend’s most unforgettable shots.

This one did not require a basketball.

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