President Biden Mistakes Candace Parker at Las Vegas Aces Ceremony

Sports

By Justin Terranova

Published
May 10, 2024, 8:21 a.m. ET

President Biden wants WNBA players to be paid more — he just needs to learn who they are.

Biden honored the two-time champion Las Vegas Aces at the White House on Thursday and paid tribute to recently retired Candace Parker.

“Even if she couldn’t be here,” Biden said of the WNBA legend. “I want to thank someone we consider one of the greatest coaches of all time: Candace Parker.”

There’s just one problem: Parker has never been a coach.

President Biden honors the Las Vegas Aces by winning the WNBA title. AFP via Getty Images

Biden seemed to have set the record straight with the second part of his compliment.

“She played 16 seasons in the league, two Olympic gold medals, two regular season MVPs and one Finals MVP,” Biden said. “And look – and coming out on top of the world with her third ring, she announced her retirement from the game. She announced her retirement from football but I want to thank her for this incredible career. We know she has a whole world ahead of her. A whole world. »

The Aces beat the Liberty in four games in the WNBA Finals a season ago, led by two-time league MVP A’Ja Wilson.

Vice President Kamala Harris gave the team a preview of their comeback in Game 4 at the Barclays Center to applause from the players.

Harris called Wilson “simply one of the best basketball players in the world.”

Biden then noted that the Aces are the first WNBA team to win back-to-back in 20 years – since the Los Angeles Sparks accomplished the feat in 2001 and 2002.

“I like it consecutively,” Biden, 81, said, referring to his upcoming re-election bid.

Parker announced in April that she was retiring from the WNBA after one of the most decorated careers in league history.

She averaged nine points and five rebounds per game in her final season.

The 38-year-old was named Adidas’ new president of women’s basketball on Wednesday.

“It’s important for girls and women to finally see themselves represented,” Biden said. “This matters to all Americans. This is why, as a nation, we must support women’s sport.

In March, Biden tweeted in support of WNBA players being paid more after Caitlin Clark’s rookie contract went viral.

Clark was selected with the No. 1 pick by the Indiana Fever and her immense popularity brought more spotlight to women’s basketball.

“Women in sport continue to push new boundaries and inspire us all. » Biden wrote about “But right now we’re seeing that even if you’re the best, women aren’t getting their fair share.

“It’s time we give our daughters the same opportunities as our sons and ensure women get the pay they deserve. »

The WNBA season begins Tuesday with Las Vegas taking on the Phoenix Mercury in one of four games.