Obama praises WNBA, says women’s pro basketball helps daughters view themselves as champs

Obama says WNBA inspires his daughters

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says the WNBA serves as an inspiration for his two young daughters.

Obama on Monday said his daughters, Sasha and Malia, have never known a time when women did not play professional basketball in the United States. He says his girls watch the female players on television.

Obama welcomed the champion Detroit Shock to the White House’s South Portico to honor their season. He says that it’s dicey for a president from Chicago to say nice things about a team from rival Detroit, but adds that their accomplishments deserve praise.

The Shock has won three championships since they started play in 1998.