It’s WNBA All-Star weekend in Chicago, and Angel Reese is already making headlines. In addition to launching her new Signature Mattel Barbie doll, the former Chicago Sky player got a few chuckles out of the media when she said her private jet was delayed because of former President Barack Obama‘s sudden arrival. Also during All-Star weekend, Reese boasted about the selfie she was able to take with the former leader of the free world, saying she had to seize the moment when it presented itself.
Angel couldn’t get off the plane because Barack Obama landed in Chicago at the same time:
“Nobody can get off the plane.” And I’m like, “Well, we VIP too.” And then they said, “Obama.” And I was like, “Okay, okay, okay.” 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Ssi4m3HYGx
— zavanté thee nonbinary bud | all-star edition ✯ (@zavanchy) July 24, 2026
All-Star weekend is here, and to kick off the slew of events, WNBA stars spoke with the media about the league’s first-ever collaboration with the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Reese, an Atlanta Dream player, is one of the 22 All-Stars set to take the court this weekend, but before she could even deboard her plane in the Windy City, she said she was delayed due to a certain VIP’s arrival.
“When my plane was landing yesterday … they said, ‘VIP. Nobody can get off the plane,’” Reese said. As she continued, the LSU alum said that she was confused because she, too, is a very important person. “And then they said, ‘Obama.’ And I was like, ‘OK, OK, OK,’” she joked.
Angel Reese Took A Selfie With Barack Obama During All-Star Weekend
Everyone needs a friend like Angel Reese 📸😂
President Obama had the All-Stars hyped before they became the first to hit the court at the Obama Presidential Center! pic.twitter.com/Jp4s0LkKc6
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 24, 2026
A handful of WNBA stars are living it up this weekend at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago’s historic Jackson Park neighborhood. Among the stars are Paige Bueckers, Courtney Williams, Aja Wilson, Kahleeah Copper, and, of course, Reese.
Reese even snapped a quick selfie with the former POTUS, sharing it on her X account and writing, “Hi Mr. @BarackObama.”
Reese shared with the media why it was important for her to capture the special moment with Barack, saying, “Not everybody just gets to meet Barack.”
She continued, “That was my first time too. Baby, you got to get your (selfie). I’m getting a picture of everybody. I got one of (Copper), got one of me, a selfie. I think it’s important just to capture every moment.”
The WNBA Is The First Professional League To Team Up With The Obama Presidential Center
According to a previous report from The Blast, the WNBA is the very first professional league to join forces with the Obama Presidential Center. In addition to today’s media event at the historic museum, the Presidential Center will also host the third annual WNBA Changemaker Day and the Jr. WNBA Day, which is designed to inspire young girls through sport and learning.
“Hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center is a true honor and reflects our commitment to creating connection through basketball and engaging communities in meaningful ways,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “We’re excited to bring together the WNBA family and the greater Chicago community to create memorable experiences at this historic new venue.”
Angel Reese Is A Barbie!
To celebrate Reese’s third consecutive All-Star weekend, the 24-year-old teamed up with Barbie to launch her own Signature doll.
She becomes the second WNBA player with her own doll and the first Black WNBA player to receive the honor.
The doll resembles Reese to a T and comes with all-pink attire, a matching leg sleeve, and custom “Barbie” Angel Reese 1 Reebok sneakers.
“Having my own Barbie doll is a true dream come true for me. It’s such an incredible honor because it’s about showing girls that there are no limits to what they can achieve,” said Reese, according to The Blast. “I’ve never let anyone else define what’s possible for me, and every challenge I’ve faced has only made me stronger. I hope this doll reminds girls to be unapologetically themselves, embrace every part of who they are, and go after their dreams with confidence.”
A New AR1 Sneaker Is Coming, Too
And the AR1 basketball shoe isn’t just for the doll. Reebok is actually launching a new “Barbie” colorway on August 3, featuring shades of pink, blue, and yellow.
“We’re proud to see her Barbie doll debut wearing Angel Reese 1 basketball shoes in this vibrant new Barbie colorway and to bring that same style directly to fans,” said CEO of Reebok Todd Krinsky. “This moment celebrates Angel’s impact on sport, style, and culture while giving fans the chance to match Angel’s iconic look and be part of the moment.”