Former Vice President Kamala Harris attended the Los Angeles Sparks’ 102-87 victory over the Chicago Sky on Sunday, using the post-game locker room visit to highlight the rising influence of the WNBA. According to reports from The Comeback and Yahoo Sports, Harris praised the players for their role in shaping cultural norms and inspiring younger generations.
“You are having an incredible impact,” Harris told the Sparks players. “I travel our country, young girls, boys, people of every gender, background, race, watch the W, and understand how inspiring it is.” She further commended the athletes for the “path they are charting,” noting that their professional conduct provides viewers with a stronger sense of personal dignity and societal expectations.
Harris’s public support for the league stands in contrast to the current administration’s stance regarding official recognition of WNBA champions. A team spokesperson for the Las Vegas Aces confirmed to USA Today that the team was not invited to the White House following their recent championship win. This marks the second consecutive year a WNBA champion has not received an invitation; indeed, no WNBA champion has visited the White House during the six years of President Donald Trump’s tenure.
While the Aces explored alternative commemorative events, including a potential visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, scheduling conflicts prevented those plans from materializing. The absence of an invitation remains a point of contention, particularly as other professional teams, such as the NBA champion New York Knicks, have been hosted by the White House during the same period.