With ample time on their hands because of the strike, some of the elite players in the NBA are taking part in an exhibition game next month to raise money for President Obama’s reelection campaign.

The game is set for 4 p.m. on Dec. 12 in Washington, D.C. No word yet on the exact location.

A total of 34 active and retired basketball players -- including women’s stars Cheryl Miller and Tina Thompson – are signed up to compete in the “Obama Classic.” Filmmaker and diehard Knicks fan Spike Lee will serve as guest coach.

The Obama campaign is hoping the event brings in big bucks.


An invitation went out to supporters on Wednesday offering an “MVP” package that costs $35,800 a pop. For that low, low price, donors get to shoot around with the players beforehand, eat dinner with them afterward and watch the game courtside.

A $20,000 “Patron” package gets the same perks with the exception of dinner. For $5,000, donors get courtside seats but aren’t allowed to dunk on Patrick Ewing in the pre-game shoot-around.

“Please feel free to pass this invitation along to others whom you believe may be interested in joining us for a very fun, once-in-a-lifetime and unforgettable experience in support of President Obama!” writes Shefali Razdan Duggal, national finance chairman for the president’s reelection campaign, in the invitation.

Responded Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer: “We need less of a focus on his job and more focus on getting the millions of Americans who can’t even make $38,500 some help.”


Players committed to attend: