Obama, Edwards star in hilarious basketball ad for Obama Center

The NBA star's unfiltered personality shines in the lighthearted commercial with the former president

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former President Barack Obama and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards star in a new ad for the upcoming Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The 79-second spot features the two engaging in friendly competition on the basketball court and other games, with Edwards' unabashed trash-talking and confident personality on full display.

Why it matters

The ad showcases Edwards' charisma and comedic talents, highlighting why the NBA is eager to promote the young star's magnetic personality to casual fans. Edwards' unfiltered approach and willingness to playfully banter with the former president make him an appealing figure that the league can leverage to grow its popularity.

The details

The ad was created to promote the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago in June 2026. It features Obama and Edwards going back-and-forth in basketball, ping pong, and Connect Four, with Edwards repeatedly telling Obama he's "the truth" and the former president at one point exasperatedly saying "I can't believe I'm still dealing with this." The ad builds on a moment captured in the 2024 Olympics documentary "Court of Gold," where Edwards boldly told Obama "Y'all better stand down, I'm the truth" when the former president complimented his basketball skills.

  • The ad debuted on March 17, 2026.
  • The Obama Presidential Center is scheduled to open in June 2026.

The players

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who is opening the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

Anthony Edwards

A guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, known for his charismatic and unfiltered personality that has made him a rising star in the NBA.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I can't believe I'm still dealing with this.”

— Barack Obama, Former President

“Y'all better stand down, I'm the truth.”

— Anthony Edwards, NBA Player

What’s next

The Obama Presidential Center is scheduled to open to the public in June 2026.

The takeaway

The lighthearted ad featuring the charismatic interplay between former President Obama and NBA star Anthony Edwards showcases why the league is eager to promote Edwards' unfiltered personality, as it makes for highly entertaining and shareable content that can help grow the NBA's popularity with casual fans.