How Twitch and the “Stud Budz” Are Changing the WNBA Game Forever

The WNBA is on fire right now, and it’s not just because of Caitlin Clark. Sure, Clark is a big name, but the league’s growth is powered by more than one star. The real buzz? Twitch and the dynamic duo known as the “Stud Budz” — Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman — who are bringing fans closer to the game than ever before.

• • WNBA’s rising popularity with record attendance and a huge media deal
  • The All-Star game and its new vibe thanks to Twitch livestreams

• How Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman’s “Stud Budz” stream stole the show
• Why the league’s future stars go beyond Caitlin Clark
• The power of raw, authentic access in building fan connections

WNBA’s Big Year and the Caitlin Clark Myth

The WNBA is booming — ratings are up, more fans are showing up to games, merch is selling like hotcakes, and a $2.2 billion media rights deal just got signed. Expansion teams are on the horizon too. Many credit this explosion to Caitlin Clark, the league’s flashy three-point shooter. But here’s the thing: the league’s success isn’t riding on just one player. In fact, Clark hasn’t been at her best lately, dealing with injuries and even some mixed opinions about her impact on the Indiana Fever’s performance. Some analysts suggest the Fever actually play better without her on the court. Statistically, Clark isn’t even in the top 20 in the league right now, and teams have gotten smarter at defending her signature three-pointer. Plus, her turnovers have been setting unwanted records.

Enter Twitch and the “Stud Budz”

Last weekend’s All-Star game was more than just basketball — it was a whole experience, and Twitch was at the center of it. The “Stud Budz,” Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, hosted a 72-hour livestream that took fans behind the scenes like never before. From pre-game prep to late-night parties, viewers got an up-close look at the players’ personalities, jokes, and candid moments. This kind of access is rare in pro sports, where image control is tight.

Fans loved it. The stream hit up to 20,000 live viewers at once, and clips went viral with millions of views. Highlights included soccer star Megan Rapinoe asking the Stud Budz about their personal lives, a hilarious moment where they told DJ Diplo to stop playing EDM at a party, and players openly partying and dancing without filters. Even Caitlin Clark joined in, but more as part of the group than the main star.

Why This Matters for the WNBA’s Future

The WNBA’s growth isn’t just about great basketball — it’s about authenticity. Fans crave real, unfiltered connections with players, and Twitch is the perfect platform for that. The “Stud Budz” showed that sports stars can be relatable, funny, and downright entertaining off the court, helping the league reach new audiences who might not have cared about basketball before.

Even coach Cheryl Reeve is on board, joking and praising the Stud Budz during the stream. She told fans, “I remember a time in our league where that would not have been OK,” showing how much the league has evolved in embracing player stories and personalities.

Still, as the WNBA grows, there could be challenges ahead. Bigger audiences mean more pressure to keep things brand-friendly, and advertisers might want more control over broadcasts, as seen in other sports like golf here. Will the wild, freewheeling style of the Stud Budz streams stay the same? Time will tell.

One fun moment that captures this vibe: before their marathon stream, the Stud Budz joked about being told to behave by the league commissioner — who later ended up twerking on camera during the livestream.

i spent years judging these new kids who watch these streamers just for me to spend 12+ hours this weekend watching the studbudz pic.twitter.com/V2OgEcXCGj

— ravyn lenae enthusiast (@wsgadlibs) July 20, 2025

Looking Ahead: New Faces and New Fans

Caitlin Clark helped bring attention to the WNBA, no doubt. But the future belongs to players like Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and of course the Stud Budz themselves. They’re the ones shaping how the league looks to the world — raw, fun, and real. The WNBA is proving that today’s sports stars don’t just need killer stats or highlight shots; they need to connect with fans on a personal level. And Twitch might just be the secret weapon to make that happen.

For more on the Stud Budz and their unforgettable livestream, check out their Twitch channel here.