Caitlin Clark Meets Barack Obama, Then Shines in WNBA All-Star Game/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Caitlin Clark’s WNBA All-Star weekend began with a meeting with former President Barack Obama and ended with her helping her team earn a 129-122 victory. The Indiana Fever star scored her team’s first eight points before a record All-Star crowd of 19,783 at Chicago’s United Center. Between events for Nike, State Farm and Wilson, Clark followed Obama’s advice to “don’t lose the joy.”
Quick Look
- Clark met former President Barack Obama.
- Obama advised her to “don’t lose the joy.”
- It was Clark’s first traditional WNBA All-Star Game.
- She scored her team’s first eight points.
- Clark’s team won 129-122.
- A record All-Star crowd of 19,783 attended.
- Clark participated in events for Nike, State Farm and Wilson.
- Wilson unveiled her new line of basketballs.
- She visited her former AAU program, the Iowa Attack.
- The Indiana Fever return to action Tuesday in Seattle.
Deep Look
Clark Enjoys Memorable All-Star Weekend
CHICAGO — Caitlin Clark’s eventful WNBA All-Star weekend began with a meeting with former President Barack Obama and concluded with a standout performance in her first traditional All-Star Game.
Between those moments, the Indiana Fever guard participated in promotional events for Nike, State Farm and Wilson.
Hundreds of supporters—many wearing Clark’s No. 22 jersey—waited for autographs, high-fives or an opportunity to see one of the league’s most popular players.
“I’m excited this weekend is packed with a lot of stuff,” Clark said during a Wilson event introducing her new basketball collection. “I never want to take for granted (All-Star weekend).”
First Traditional All-Star Appearance
Clark missed the 2025 All-Star Game in Indianapolis because of an injury.
Her rookie season featured a different format in which the WNBA All-Stars faced the US Olympic team before the 2024 Paris Games.
That matchup carried additional tension because many fans believed Clark deserved a place on the Olympic roster.
“Any time you get to put on a uniform and play an All-Star Game is really special. It’s really a unique experience for myself as I never really got to play in a true All-Star Game (before),” Clark said.
Clark Scores Team’s First Eight Points
Clark immediately energized the record crowd of 19,783 at the United Center on Saturday.
She scored her team’s first eight points, beginning with a steal and layup before connecting on one of her signature long-distance 3-pointers.
Minutes later, Clark made an even deeper shot from a distance that would have qualified for four points under the special scoring system used during the 2025 game.
The WNBA removed the 4-point area this year, a decision Clark disliked.
Despite missing the opportunity for the extra point, she helped her team secure a 129-122 victory.
Obama Reminds Clark to Enjoy Basketball
Clark said her hands became sweaty and clammy when she met Obama.
She asked the former president to take a photograph with her, reversing the familiar interaction she experiences with fans throughout the day.
During their conversation, Obama encouraged Clark to “don’t lose the joy.”
Clark carried that advice into the All-Star Game, where she appeared to embrace the celebratory nature of the event despite the constant attention surrounding her career.
Fans Pack Sponsor Events
Following her meeting with Obama, Clark attended WNBA Live, a fan festival featuring exhibits from many of the league’s corporate partners.
At the State Farm area, she joined a musical-chairs-style shooting competition watched by hundreds of fans.
She then encouraged a group of girls participating in a similar contest. The winner received a pair of Clark’s signature shoes.
Clark Visits Former AAU Team
Clark also attended a Nike girls basketball tournament to watch the Iowa Attack, her former Amateur Athletic Union team.
The visit connected her current professional success with the youth program that helped shape her development.
Clark later appeared at a Wilson event to introduce a new collection of basketballs carrying her branding.
The packed schedule demonstrated her appeal to basketball fans across ages and genders and her increasing commercial influence within women’s sports.
Temporary Escape From Outside Noise
All-Star weekend gave Clark several days to focus on basketball and fan events rather than the controversy and intense public attention that have followed her since she entered the WNBA in 2024.
The break was brief.
Clark and the Indiana Fever resume their regular-season schedule Tuesday with a road game against Seattle.
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