President Barack Obama surprised WNBA All-Stars by showing up at practice

Ahead of the league's annual All-Star Game on Saturday, the WNBA is using the newly-opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago for practices, media availabilities and events around the weekend.

>On Friday morning, former President Barack Obama surprised players by showing up at practice.

>Former First Lady Michele Obama was not with him. He gave the players a short speech and also informed them that he won't be able to attend the All-Star Game due to a previous engagement.

>An $850 million facility, the Obama Presidential Center opened in June on the South Side of Chicago as the public home of President Obama’s legacy. Located on 19.3 acres in historic Jackson Park, the Obama Presidential Center has the aim of reflecting “the energy of Chicago and the Obamas’ belief that ordinary people working together can achieve extraordinary things” through programming, events, experiences and public spaces. Of the many features at the complex is a 60,000-square foot athletic building with a basketball court.

>Obama was the first sitting U.S. President to attend a WNBA game when he and his daughter, Sasha, sat courtside for a clash between the Washington Mystics and Detroit Shock in 2010. He regularly hosted WNBA champions at the White House, holding an audience with the Minnesota Lynx three times during his presidency. Obama, 64, is also a strategic partner and minority owner in NBA Africa.

WNBA All-Star schedule Thursday, July 23 WNBA Live: 4 p.m.-8 p.m. ET at McCormick Place. An interactive fan festival featuring athlete appearances, activations, and merchandise. Friday, July 24 WNBA Live: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ET at McCormick Place • > Skills Night: 6 p.m. ET at Wintrust Arena. Features the WNBA Shooting Stars and WNBA 3-Point Contest (ESPN) Saturday, July 25 WNBA Live Presented by AWS: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ET at McCormick Place • > WNBA All-Star Game: 6:30 p.m. ET at the United Center (ABC, Disney+) Watch the WNBA all season on Fubo

WNBA All-Star teams Team Coop Starters

Paige Bueckers, G, Dallas Wings • > Breanna Stewart, F, New York Liberty • > Kelsey Mitchell, G, Indiana Fever • > Natasha Howard, F, Minnesota Linx • > Gabby Williams, F, Golden State Valkyries Reserves

Angel Reese, F, Atlanta Dream • > Marina Mabrey, G, Toronto Tempo • > Dominique Matlonga, C, Seattle Storm • > Kahleah Copper, G, Phoenix Mercury • > Jackie Young, G, Las Vegas Aces • > Sonia Citron, G, Washington Mystics Staff

Head Coach Becky Hammon • > General Manager Cynthia Cooper Team Spoon Starters

Caitlin Clark, G, Indiana Fever • > A'ja Wilson, C, Las Vegas Aces • > Olivia Miles, G, Minnesota Lynx • > Aliyah Boston, C, Indiana Fever • > Jessica Shepard, F, Dallas Wings Reserves

Rhyne Howard, G, Atlanta Dream • > Allisha Gray, G, Atlanta Dream • > Jonquel Jones, F, New York Liberty • > Courtney Williams, G, Minnesota Lynx • > Kiki Iriafen, F, Washington Mystics • > Nneka Ogwumike, F, Los Angeles Sparks Staff:

Head Coach Cheryl Reeve • > General Manager Teresa Weatherspoon This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Barack Obama surprised WNBA All-Stars by showing up at practice