The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend officially got underway in Chicago on Friday, with players holding their first practice at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park on the city’s South Side. Barack Obama had a conversation with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, offering words of encouragement. (AFP, Getty Images via AFP) The session marked a historic milestone, as the WNBA became the first professional sports league to use the Center’s athletic facilities. Before practice began, the players also received a surprise visit from former President Barack Obama, who spent time chatting with stars including Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Nneka Ogwumike. What did Obama tell Caitlin Clark? Obama also had a personal conversation with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, offering words of encouragement as she continues to navigate the spotlight and scrutiny that have followed her since being selected first overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft. “You’re great, you’re fantastic,” Obama told Clark. “Don’t let all this nonsense get you down… I didn’t get famous ’til I was like 45. So I was …