Barack Obama is a big fan of Toronto Tempo star Marina Mabrey

There's no question that Toronto Tempo shooting guard Marina Mabrey has been hooping at another level this season — it even has former U.S. president Barack Obama taking notice.

On Friday, Obama surprised the 2026 WNBA All-Star teams at a practice in Chicago, where he spoke to several stars around the league (including Toronto's own Marina Mabrey) who the former president just so happens to be a fan of.

Mabrey was asked during a press conference what Obama said to her; he praised her play and, of course, her WNBA record-setting 53-point game against the Los Angeles Sparks last month.

"It was cool. He knew everything about us," Mabrey said.

can’t wait to see marina’s 53-point game on the annual year end list of president obama’s favourite things! 🏀🩵 pic.twitter.com/m2nFLgdL9G

— Toronto Tempo (@TempoBasketball) July 24, 2026

"He mentioned my 53-point game, and how I've been having a great season and stuff."

Obama hasn't been shy about his basketball fandom. He first fell in love with the game after moving to Chicago for law school in the early 1990s. He witnessed the greats Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen carry the Chicago Bulls to six championships in eight seasons, becoming one of sports' greatest dynasties.

That passion for basketball continued to follow him throughout his presidency. He frequently attended basketball games in Washington, D.C., and several Team USA tune-up games ahead of the London 2012 and Rio 2026 Olympics.

"It's cool to know he's out there watching something like this," said Mabrey.

🇨🇦 🤝🏽🇺🇸 🏀 Marina Mabrey meets the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, as he greets the players of both Team Cooper and Team Spoon ahead of practice!

(📹: via @chelsealeite ) pic.twitter.com/JG5MIDqVDM

— Marina Mabrey HQ (@MarinaMabreyHQ) July 24, 2026

Toronto acquired Mabrey in the WNBA expansion draft after she was left unprotected by the Connecticut Sun, and in three months, she's become the face of the franchise.

The veteran guard has averaged 21.0 points per game while shooting 44 per cent from the field this season and was Toronto's lone player selected for WNBA All-Star Weekend.

She'll also be one of six players competing in the State Farm 3-Point Contest in Chicago on Friday night, where she can once again make history for Toronto.