Obama and NBA Star Anthony Edwards Face Off in Playful Sports Rivalry

The former president's cryptic social media post was just a promotion for the upcoming Obama Presidential Center

Mar. 18, 2026 at 9:42am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new video from the Obama Foundation has revealed that a recent cryptic social media post by the former president was not a hint about a political comeback, but rather part of a lighthearted sports promotion featuring NBA star Anthony Edwards. The video shows Obama and Edwards competing in a series of games, including basketball, Ping-Pong and Connect 4, as they promote the upcoming opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

Why it matters

The original teaser post had sparked widespread speculation online about a potential 2028 presidential run by Obama, despite the fact that he is constitutionally barred from running for a third term. This new video puts those rumors to rest, showing the video was simply a playful sports promotion rather than a political announcement.

The details

The new video picks up directly from the earlier cryptic teaser, with Obama responding to a text message before saying, "Oh, you want some of this?" He then steps outside to find Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards shooting on an outdoor basketball court. The two then engage in a series of friendly competitions, including basketball, Ping-Pong and Connect 4, before cooling off by dipping their feet in a pool and discussing a rematch. The video ends by teasing a future rematch between Obama and Edwards at the upcoming Obama Presidential Center.

  • The original teaser video was posted on March 15, 2026.
  • The new clarifying video was released on March 17, 2026.

The players

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who served two terms from 2009 to 2017. He is now focused on the development of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

Anthony Edwards

A professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. He has an ongoing playful rivalry with Obama that dates back to a viral moment at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Oh, you want some of this?”

— Barack Obama (Obama Foundation)

“I seen what going on with your jump shot.”

— Anthony Edwards, NBA Player (Obama Foundation)

What’s next

The Obama Presidential Center is set to open to the public this summer, and the video ends by teasing a future rematch between Obama and Edwards at the site.

The takeaway

This sports-focused promotion shows that Obama's cryptic social media post was not a hint about a political comeback, but rather a lighthearted way to generate excitement for the upcoming opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, which will feature a basketball court and other recreational amenities.