WASHINGTON — A’ja Wilson doesn’t make the same mistake twice.

She had to abandon her pumps and go barefoot when she visited the White House last year. On Thursday, the 2023 WNBA Finals MVP opted for a pair of white sneakers.

The comfortable choice paid off, as the Aces’ return to the White House was a bigger, better and more expansive affair.

Before the event officially began, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris pulled out all the stops for the back-to-back champions. The team was greeted with warm cookies, which they didn’t get last year.

The surprise was followed by another new perk: a tour of the Oval Office.

Biden, who missed the 2023 celebration, emphasized the importance of women’s sports during his comments.

“It matters to girls and women, finally seeing themselves represented, and it matters to all of America. That’s why, as a nation, we need to support women’s sports,” Biden said during the East Room ceremony. “I want to thank you for showing that the future of women’s sports is brighter than the Vegas lights.”

As was the case last year, first lady Jill Biden wasn’t in attendance, this time missing the event for a fundraiser in Portland, Ore. Harris was once again joined by her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff.

Harris made the first comments, praising the Aces for being good role models and bringing “such joy” to the court.

She enthusiastically recalled the highlights of the title-clinching Game 4 of the 2023 WNBA Finals, a win over the New York Liberty that made the Aces the first franchise to repeat as champions since 2002.

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