In a surprise announcement during the Dallas Wings home opener, former President George W. Bush stepped onto the court and accepted a role that no one in the arena had anticipated. He was introduced as the first Honorary Commissioner in the history of the WNBA. The announcement drew cheers, laughter, and a wave of disbelief. The forty third president walked out wearing a custom jersey that read Dubya for Three across the back. Reporters gathered quickly, and Bush offered a line that set the tone for the evening. He said that after leaving the White House he figured it was time to take a job where the plays were actually bipartisan. The joke landed easily and reflected the lighthearted spirit of the moment.
League officials explained that the decision came from Bush’s long standing support for women’s sports. They recalled his memorable viral appearance at a Wings game in twenty twenty three, when he had delighted the crowd by demonstrating his free throw form with great enthusiasm. That moment might have been playful, but it left a lasting impression on WNBA leadership. They believed Bush could bring visibility, personality, and fresh energy to the league’s larger mission of raising the profile of women’s athletics.
Reactions poured in almost immediately from both political and sports communities. Former First Lady Michelle Obama took to social media to cheer the announcement, writing a playful question about who had next and ending with warm praise for the news. WNBA star Brittney Griner responded with her own brand of humor, welcoming Bush and joking that she hoped he was ready to deal with online critics. Even analysts known for their skepticism acknowledged that the move was a clever push for attention. One ESPN commentator remarked that Bush might bring more publicity to the league in a single week than most politicians manage in their entire careers.
The Honorary Commissioner role will involve a variety of ceremonial and promotional duties. Bush will take part in tip offs at major games, speak publicly about the need for expanded media coverage, and help advocate for broader recognition of women athletes. The league is also incorporating his well known interest in painting. Bush will design a signature Freedom Ball for the twenty twenty four All Star Game, a project that has already sparked curiosity among fans. During the announcement he promised that the scoreboard would have no hanging chads, a reference that drew long laughter from the crowd.
After the press conference Bush joined the Wings players for an informal three point contest. Spectators watched with amusement as he attempted shot after shot. Sources later confirmed that he made a single basket out of ten attempts, which only added to the good natured charm of the event.
League leaders say they hope his involvement will strengthen the push for gender equity in sports. They believe that public figures who are willing to support the message can help open doors for greater funding, stronger media commitments, and deeper respect for women athletes. As Bush left the court, he offered one more line in classic Bush style. He reminded fans of the well known phrase about being fooled once and being fooled twice, before adding that the athletes of the WNBA do not get fooled at all. The season begins next week, and it now carries an unexpected presidential endorsement that has given fans plenty to talk about.
