A COURTSIDE SURPRISE NO ONE SAW COMING

When former President George W. Bush walked onto the court in a “Dubya for Three” jersey and was named the WNBA’s first Honorary Commissioner, the moment instantly escaped the boundaries of sports. Laughter mixed with disbelief as he leaned into self-deprecating humor, promising that this time the playbook might actually be bipartisan. The league framed the move as both a nod to his long-standing support for women’s sports and a savvy way to capture national attention.The reaction was immediate and layered. Michelle Obama’s light-hearted approval, Brittney Griner’s teasing welcome, and a flood of memes turned the reveal into a full-blown cultural event. Bush’s three-point contest with players and his upcoming role—pushing visibility, making ceremonial appearances, even helping design a “Freedom Ball” for All-Star weekend—signaled something larger. The WNBA didn’t just launch a season; it staged a presidential-level rebrand, turning a game night into a moment people will reference for years.