Former Vice President Kamala Harris was among the latest high-profile figures to attend a WNBA game this season, as she was in the building for Friday night’s matchup between the Los Angeles Sparks and Chicago Sky. The former vice president attended the game alongside her husband, former Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, adding another notable name to the growing list of prominent guests at WNBA arenas this year.

The WNBA’s official X account shared a video of the special courtside moment, showing Harris and Emhoff during their introduction by the arena announcer. As seen in the video, the couple rose from their seats after the introduction and waved to the crowd, with fans greeting them with enthusiastic cheers as they acknowledged the warm reception.

Prior to that official recognition, Harris and Emhoff were already in their seats courtside before the game tipped off. In fact, the couple shared a brief interaction with Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts before the opening whistle.

This is not the first time Kamala Harris has been present at a WNBA game. Her most notable previous appearance came on May 19, 2023. At the time, she made a highly publicized surprise visit to watch Brittney Griner’s first regular-season game since her release from a Russian prison. Griner, who was playing for the Phoenix Mercury at the time, faced the Los Angeles Sparks in that contest.

During that visit, Harris also famously went into the locker rooms to greet both the Sparks and the visiting Mercury. She especially celebrated Griner’s long-awaited return to the WNBA court following her release.

This particular appearance at the Sparks-Sky game, however, was, according to Kamala Harris herself, in a brief courtside interview, simply a date night with her husband. It also turned into a memorable evening for the Sparks, who cruised to a 102-87 victory over the Sky. And while it has never been confirmed that Harris is specifically a Sparks fan, the result was likely one she appreciated, given that she has frequently supported Los Angeles sports teams and has attended Sparks games on multiple occasions.

Kamala Harris Lauds WNBA’s Excellence and Player Empowerment During Los Angeles Sparks Game

Kamala Harris’ brief courtside interview at the Sparks-Sky game also saw her speak about what drew her to the arena. Asked why she wanted to attend, the former vice president acknowledged the WNBA’s 30th anniversary. She also praised the league’s continued growth and the impact its players have on and off the court.

“Well, I love the W,” Harris said. “And you know, 30 years was looking at just the incredible excellence in terms of athletic ability, in terms of ambition, in terms of discipline, and what they are doing to model them, the height of athleticism. But combining that with what they’re doing to empower so many people who watch them. I love it. I’m a huge fan of the W.”

Of course, while Harris has never publicly declared an exclusive allegiance to any one WNBA franchise, she has routinely expressed a deep appreciation for the league as a whole and has often spoken about enjoying games alongside her husband. 

Beyond attending matchups, she has also welcomed WNBA championship teams, including the Las Vegas Aces, to the White House. So to a large extent, she has maintained strong ties with the WNBA through both her public support and official engagements.