The WNBA's Rivals Week has delivered viral moments, but the league's 30-year history is rich with rivalries and friendships that have shaped its identity. From the Houston Comets' dominance over the New York Liberty to the bond between A'ja Wilson and Allisha Gray, these relationships define the W.
The Original Rivalry: Comets vs. Liberty
The Houston Comets were the team to beat in the WNBA's first four seasons, winning four straight championships and sweeping MVP awards. The New York Liberty, however, felt the sting most acutely, as three of those titles came at their expense. Comets legend Sheryl Swoopes, co-host of a podcast with the author, noted, "The Liberty were always the bridesmaids. They wanted to be the brides, but it just wasn't their time."
The rivalry resurfaced during the 2024 All-Star weekend when Cynthia Cooper joked about the Comets' four titles on the Orange Carpet. Teresa Weatherspoon responded, "This is why I'm so thankful that four championships don't define me. Coop, I'm still salty about this, chill out!" The Liberty finally won their first championship in 2024, though a victory over the Comets would have been sweeter.
Besties for the Resties: Wilson and Gray
A'ja Wilson and Allisha Gray's friendship began as teammates and roommates at South Carolina, where they won the 2017 national championship. Their bond has been on display courtside, with Gray even owning a special player edition of Wilson's A'Two signature sneaker. While they battle fiercely on the court, their post-game interactions are pure comedy.
The Last Dynasty: Lynx vs. Sparks
The Minnesota Lynx defined the 2010s, reaching seven finals and winning four championships with a lineup featuring Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus, Sylvia Fowles, and Rebekkah Brunson. Their rivalry with Candace Parker's Los Angeles Sparks was must-watch TV, with four MVPs and 12 gold medals across the two rosters at its peak.
In 2015, the Lynx beat the Sparks 2-1 in the Western Conference semi-finals en route to their third title. The 2016 finals saw Nneka Ogwumike hit a fallaway jumper with 3.7 seconds left to decide the series. The 2017 finals went five games, with Moore hitting a game-winning jumper to secure Minnesota's fourth championship in seven years.
StudBudz: Williams and Hiedeman
Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, known as the StudBudz, became teammates in Connecticut in 2019. Their friendship has grown into a cultural phenomenon, including matching pink hair on the Lynx, Vogue photoshoots, and countless livestreams. They've become key figures in WNBA culture, with their moniker synonymous with joy and laughter.
These rivalries and friendships are central to the WNBA's appeal, offering fans drama, emotion, and connection. As the league celebrates 30 years, these stories highlight what makes it unique.
