In a surprise announcement that blended politics, pop culture, and sports pageantry, former President George W. Bush was named the WNBA’s first-ever Honorary Commissioner at the Dallas Wings’ home opener. The moment caught fans, players, and journalists off guard: the 43rd president, clad in a custom “Dubya for Three” jersey, walked onto the court to a mix of cheers, laughter, and flashing cameras. Addressing reporters with his characteristic Texas drawl and deadpan humor, he quipped, “After the White House, I figured I’d finally take a job where the plays are actually bipartisan.” The league cited Bush’s longstanding support for women’s athletics, combined with the viral sensation of his 2023 appearance at a Wings game—where he energetically demonstrated his free-throw form—as the inspiration for the honor.
The announcement ignited a whirlwind of reactions across both political and sports communities. Former First Lady Michelle Obama tweeted, “Who’s got next? (Seriously, this is awesome.),” while WNBA star Brittney Griner greeted him with a playful nod to modern fan culture: “Hope you like dunking on Twitter trolls, sir.” Even critics of the league and the former president could not ignore the move’s clever PR value. One ESPN analyst noted, “He’ll bring more attention to the league in one week than most politicians do in a lifetime,” highlighting how the appointment could intersect celebrity, nostalgia, and advocacy in ways few expected.
Bush’s responsibilities as Honorary Commissioner are largely ceremonial but symbolically potent. He is slated to participate in ceremonial tip-offs, advocate for expanded media coverage of women’s basketball, and contribute creatively to league initiatives. In a playful nod to his post-presidency painting hobby, he is slated to design a special “Freedom Ball” for the 2024 All-Star Game. During the press conference, he leaned toward the podium and assured the crowd, “I promise no hanging chads on the scoreboard,” before joining Wings players for an impromptu three-point contest. Reports confirmed that Bush’s shooting accuracy was modest—going 1-for-10—but the crowd cheered every shot as if it were a championship-winning basket.
The league’s move reflects a broader strategy: using Bush’s widespread popularity and cross-generational recognition to amplify the WNBA’s ongoing campaign for gender equity in sports. Advocates see the appointment as a chance to draw attention to issues like media coverage, pay disparity, and visibility for female athletes. In interviews, league executives emphasized that while Bush’s title is honorary, his presence embodies a tangible commitment to supporting women in athletics, both on and off the court. Fans and players alike embraced the moment, capturing selfies and posting clips online, creating a viral energy that rivaled the buzz of game day itself.
Bush’s unique blend of humor, humility, and celebrity charm allowed him to navigate the ceremonial duties with ease. Between speeches and jokes, he paused to interact with players, signing jerseys and exchanging high-fives, reminding the audience that the role was about connection and celebration, not just optics. As he left the court, he offered a signature Bushism that perfectly captured the playful tone of the day: “Fool me once… shame on you. Fool me twice… well, let’s just say these ladies don’t get fooled at all.” The remark was met with laughter, applause, and a sense of shared history among attendees who remembered the quips from his presidency.
As the WNBA season officially tips off next week, the league enters a new chapter with a presidential seal of approval that no one could have predicted. Bush’s appointment may not change the scores on the scoreboard, but it has already altered the conversation, bringing fresh attention, energy, and levity to the league. Whether he remains a recurring presence at games or the appointment serves as a singular moment of celebration, the Dallas Wings—and the WNBA at large—have managed to blend political legacy, sports fandom, and cultural spectacle into an unforgettable opening-day narrative. For one afternoon in Dallas, the court became a bridge between eras, where politics and basketball collided in ways both humorous and inspiring, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected players leave the biggest impact.