Caitlin Clark experienced a weekend to remember during the WNBA All-Star festivities, which included a meeting with former U.S. President Barack Obama and a standout performance in her first traditional All-Star Game on Saturday. The event took place at Chicago’s United Center before a record crowd of 19,783 spectators.

Clark, an Indiana Fever guard, missed last year’s All-Star Game due to injury and had previously participated in the 2024 showcase when the U.S. Olympic team faced the WNBA All-Stars. That contest carried added attention, as many believed Clark warranted inclusion on the Olympic roster for Paris.

In Saturday’s game, Clark quickly made her presence felt by scoring the first eight points for her team, including a steal leading to a layup and a deep three-pointer typical of her playing style. She later connected on a longer three-point attempt from a distance that, in the previous year’s format, would have counted for four points; however, the WNBA removed the four-point line for this year’s game, a change she expressed disappointment over. Her team ultimately secured a 129-122 victory.

Prior to her on-court contributions, Clark met with Obama, who encouraged her to “not lose the joy” of playing the game. Clark acknowledged her nervousness during the encounter, describing sweaty hands and asking for a photo—an experience she said she is frequently asked to share.

The weekend also featured a series of promotional appearances. Clark participated in sponsor events with Nike, State Farm, and Wilson, drawing extensive crowds eager to meet the rising star, many donning her No. 22 jersey. At the State Farm exhibit, she took part in a musical chairs-style shooting game amid hundreds of fans and later supported young contestants vying for a pair of her signature shoes. She also visited the Nike girls basketball tournament to see her former Amateur Athletic Union team, the Iowa Attack, before unveiling her new line of basketballs with Wilson.

For a brief period, Clark was able to focus solely on basketball and fan interaction, setting aside the external pressures that have accompanied her career since entering the WNBA in 2024. The Indiana Fever will return to regular-season play with a matchup in Seattle scheduled for Tuesday.