Biden mistakenly labels WNBA champion as coach during White House visit

President Biden welcomed the Las Vegas Aces, the back-to-back reigning WNBA champions, to the White House on Thursday, but made a mistake in his speech. He referred to recently retired Candace Parker as “one of the greatest all-time coaches” in WNBA history, despite her never having coached a game. Parker, who announced her retirement on April 28, did not attend the event, but Biden acknowledged her impressive career, including 16 seasons in the league, two Olympic gold medals, and three WNBA championships.

Biden also joked about wanting to go “back-to-back” like the Aces, referencing the upcoming election. He emphasized the importance of supporting women’s sports, saying it matters to girls and women seeing themselves represented and to all Americans.

The Las Vegas Aces defeated the New York Liberty in the WNBA championship in October, winning their second consecutive title. The team’s visit to the White House marks a significant moment in women’s basketball, as the sport continues to gain recognition and support.

The Aces’ championship win is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication, and their visit to the White House is a well-deserved celebration of their achievement. The team’s players, including A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray, were in attendance, and were praised by Biden for their skill and determination.

“It matters to girls and women, finally seeing themselves represented,” Biden said during the celebration, held in the East Room of the White House.

Biden’s recognition of the Aces’ achievement is significant, as it highlights the progress and growth of women’s basketball. The WNBA has faced challenges in the past, including low attendance and limited media coverage, but teams like the Aces are helping to change that. Their success is inspiring a new generation of young women to take up the sport, and their visit to the White House is a symbol of the increasing recognition and support for women’s sports.

The visit also marks a departure from the past, when championship teams have not always visited the White House due to political differences or scheduling conflicts. The Biden administration has made an effort to host teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, and UConn men’s and LSU women’s teams, and the Aces’ visit is a continuation of this trend.

In addition to recognizing the Aces’ achievement, Biden also emphasized the importance of supporting women’s sports more broadly. He noted that women’s sports have come a long way in recent years, but there is still much work to be done to achieve equality and recognition. He encouraged the team and their fans to continue advocating for women’s sports and to support young women who are interested in playing.

The Aces’ visit to the White House is a significant moment in women’s basketball, and a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. It is also a recognition of the progress and growth of women’s sports, and a reminder of the importance of supporting and advocating for women’s sports. As Biden said, “It matters to girls and women seeing themselves represented, and it matters to all Americans.”