30 Minutes ago in Texas George W Bush was confirmed as See more in comment

In a surprise announcement at the Dallas Wings’ home opener, former President George W.

Bush was named the WNBA’s first-ever Honorary Commissioner. The 43rd president, wearing a custom “Dubya for Three” jersey, joked to reporters,

After the White House, I figured I’d finally take a job where the plays are actually bipartisan.”

The league cited Bush’s longtime support for women’s sports and his viral 2023 appearance at a Wings game—where he enthusiastically demonstrated his free-throw form—as inspiration for the role.

The move sparked immediate reactions across the political and sports worlds. Former First Lady Michelle Obama tweeted,

“Who’s got next? (Seriously, this is awesome.),” while WNBA star Brittney Griner welcomed Bush with a cheeky “

Hope you like dunking on Twitter trolls, sir.” Even critics acknowledged the savvy PR move, with one ESPN analyst noting, “

He’ll bring more attention to the league in one week than most politicians do in a lifetime.”

Bush’s duties will include ceremonial tip-offs, advocating for expanded media coverage, and—in a nod to his painting hobby—designing a special

“Freedom Ball” for the 2024 All-Star Game.

“I promise no hanging chads on the scoreboard,” he quipped during the press conference

, before joining Wings players for an impromptu three-point contest (sources confirm he went 1-for-10).

The WNBA hopes Bush’s appointment will amplify its push for gender equity in sports.

As the former president left the court, he left fans with a signature Bushism: “Fool me once… shame on you

. Fool me twice… well, let’s just say these ladies don’t get fooled at all.”

The league’s season tips off next week—with a presidential seal of approval no one saw coming.

The announcement placed the former president in a role built around visibility and ceremony rather than the ordinary work of a basketball official. Ceremonial tip-offs and support for broader coverage were presented as the main public-facing duties. The connection between a recognizable political figure and the league was intended to bring additional attention to the players and their competition.

The custom jersey and the jokes helped set the tone of the occasion. Instead of delivering a conventional political address, Bush leaned into the contrast between his former job and the basketball setting. His remarks about bipartisan plays linked the language of government with the language of sport, giving the appearance a deliberately lighthearted character.

The proposed ball design also tied the role to an interest outside politics. Painting was offered as a way for him to contribute something distinctive to the occasion, while his time on the court gave the announcement a more informal finish. The reported shooting contest made the former president a participant in the event, rather than only a person making remarks beside it.

For the league, the wider purpose described was increased public attention and a stronger conversation about women's sports. The reactions quoted in the account reflected the unusual pairing of the WNBA with a former president. Whatever drew someone to the announcement initially, the focus of the proposed duties remained the same: using a prominent name to encourage people to watch, discuss, and recognize the basketball being played.