Known to gamers on Twitch as ‘StudBudz,’ Minnesota Lynx teammates Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman came to dominate social media over WNBA All-Star weekend by livestreaming an array of glamorous behind-the-scenes action.
Williams, an All-Star guard, and Hiedeman, a key reserve for the first-place Lynx, are seen clubbing with WNBA stars like Angel Reese, Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins. Even WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert gets in on the action by dancing to Crime Mob’s hip-hop anthem ‘Knuck if You Buck’ alongside Williams despite a looming labor battle between the league and players.
And StudBudz didn’t just share the highlights of their 72 hours, or so, in Indianapolis. Their struggle to enter a local nightclub was also streamed on Twitch.
‘Bruh, we in the “W” and s*** and we just got done at the All-Star Game,’ a perfectly calm Williams is seen telling the bouncer. ‘So, I’m sorry, I’m not even trying to be funny but we should not be waiting in no line.’
After scoring 13 points in a winning effort, Williams didn’t lose her cool with the doorman as she, Hiedeman, and their friends are held up on the sidewalk. Onlookers are seen recognizing her and Hiedeman, both of whom were happy to have their photos taken with fans.
For her part, Williams seemed to consider aborting the line altogether until more friends arrived. And with the added pressure to gain entry, Williams returned her attention to the doorman, even as she continued with the Twitch livestream.
Courtney Williams is seen waiting outside an Indianapolis night club on Saturday night
Natisha Hiedeman is seen speaking on the phone as she and some friends await entry
‘We always on stream,’ Williams told one onlooker as she waited for a response from the bouncer. ‘Ya’all know that.’
At one point the group is told they’d be limited to seven guests, at which point they discussed leaving for another venue.
In the end, everyone is allowed to enter, although Hiedeman hangs back to ensure the entire party is permitted to enter.
Fans were a bit divided on social media, where some felt the club should have recognized the presence of a WNBA All-Star during WNBA All-Star weekend.
‘They should have been escorted into the club…ASAP!’ one fan wrote on X. ‘Bottle service…no charge!’
Natisha Hiedeman (L) and Courtney Williams (C) of the Minnesota Lynx and Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings speak with ESPN analysts Andraya Carter and Chiney Ogwumike
Courtney Williams twerks for attendees at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Saturday
‘Courtney [is 100 percent] right,’ another added.
Others struggled to imagine the Indianapolis night club scene.
‘Waiting in a line in Indiana is crazy,’ one wrote.
Others, though, thought Williams was being a prima donna.
‘She said we play in the W,’ one critic wrote alongside a laughing emoji.
For all of the livestreaming and All-Star action, Williams’ biggest headline of the weekend may have come during Saturday’s introductions when the Georgia native twerked for attendees at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Williams and Hiedeman have another few days to relax before the Lynx return to action against the Chicago Sky on Tuesday night in Minneapolis.
