Barack Obama and his love for the sport of basketball are no secret. The 44th President of the United States’ love for hoops dates long before he made a name in politics. Obama grew up playing basketball and won a state championship with Punahou School in 1979. The game became a big part of his personality, also framing his leadership style. He used Sunday’s NBA All-Star weekend to announce an initiative he hopes will be a huge hit with youth in Chicago.

Speaking to Indiana Pacers great Reggie Miller, the former president was asked about the inauguration of the Barack Obama Presidential Center, which is slated to open to the public in the summer of 2026.

“We are very excited, the presidential center will be opening on the south side in June, and it’s going to have a museum, it will have art, it will have a recording studio, a public library, and Michelle’s garden will be duplicated there,” Obama told Miller.

The Barack Obama Presidential Center will be in Chicago’s Jackson Park. The 19.3-acre campus will feature a 225-foot one-of-a-kind museum tower and house the Obama Foundation.

Mr. Obama (a die-hard Chicago Bulls fan) also revealed some significant and interesting details about the recreational amenities available to the public at his state-of-the-art facility.

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“One thing that it will have is a full-court basketball court, and we intend to have all kinds of activities because sports is an entryway for kids to participate, to build community, to create some joy,” Obama revealed. “So people who are interested in finding out more about it go to obama.org. We’re hoping that you become part of the millions of visitors who will be coming, enjoying themselves, and learning about how you can bring a change in your own communities.”

Obama is known to partner with the NBA for social initiatives. The league and its teams supported the former president’s ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ program for young men of color. Obama has repeatedly appeared on ‘NBA Cares’ and All-Star Weekend events. This also included sessions in Chicago, where he sat down with superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Chris Paul, Kevin Love, and other players to discuss giving back to the community.

Barack Obama, the Bulls, and his love story with basketball

Obama arrived in Chicago in the late 1980s and fell in love with the city and the beloved Bulls almost immediately. His arrival coincided with Michael Jordan’s meteoric rise from franchise star to the face of the NBA. There was a time when Obama could not even afford a game ticket, but that only spurred him on.

Fast-forward to his presidency (2009-2017), and he attended games at the United Center, doing on‑air interviews while jokingly taking shots at the likes of Kobe Bryant by referencing His Airness.

“I want to congratulate coach Phil Jackson on earning his 11th NBA championship ring,” Obama said back in 2010. “It was his fifth championship ring with the Lakers, which I should point out is still one behind the six he won with the Chicago Bulls.”

The former President was on stage with the team when he heard a voice interject, “Not for long.”

“Kobe said, ‘Not for long,’” Obama said with a laugh.

During his time at the White House, Obama used his influence to foster a basketball culture. He converted the tennis court into a full basketball court. He also hosted charity games featuring players like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and other NBA All-Stars.

All of this is proof that Obama’s appearance at the 2026 All-Star Game was not just a publicity stunt. He is a loyal fan of the sport and represents everything good about the game. Let’s hope the new presidential center in South Chicago turns out to be a huge hit among the locals.