The Minnesota Lynx’s dynamic guards, Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, popularly known as the “StudBudz”, made waves during the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend with their groundbreaking 72-hour live stream on Twitch. This unique initiative not only offered an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the event but also allowed fans to experience the weekend through the eyes of two prominent players in women’s basketball.
Williams, who received an All-Star nod, and Hiedeman leveraged their popularity to interact with fans creatively. The pair’s entertaining commentary and candid moments captured the attention of the basketball community, including notable figures like Barstool Sports’ founder, Dave Portnoy. Portnoy praised the StudBudz’ efforts on social media, stating that their streaming event had significantly outperformed the league’s marketing strategies over the years, showcasing their ability to connect with audiences uniquely.
On another note, the duo plans to confront Portnoy regarding his unfavorable remarks about Angel Reese during an upcoming stream. Williams indicated that they would ask Portnoy directly about his comments, reinforcing their support for Reese. Hiedeman echoed this sentiment, expressing their affection for the player.
In response to the mounting attention, Portnoy acknowledged the backlash he received and affirmed his love for the league while clarifying his individual sports opinions.
The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by Williams and Hiedeman not only highlight their personalities but also emphasize how players can utilize platforms like Twitch to engage with fans and innovate the way sports are marketed. Their upcoming interaction with Portnoy promises to be an exciting moment for fans, sparking thoughtful discussions about sportsmanship and personal biases in athletics.
This initiative sets a hopeful precedent for future WNBA engagements and emphasizes the potential for players to control their narratives while fostering community interactions within women’s sports.