nho123It’s not unusual for fans to fall head over heels for their favorite basketball stars—but sometimes the sweetest moments come when those stars compete for the affection of their youngest admirers. That’s exactly what happened when two WNBA icons—Sophie Cunningham and Kelsey Plum—recently found themselves at the center of a lighthearted (and, frankly, adorable) rivalry. Their playful banter over who a young fan liked more quickly became a viral sensation, melting hearts and showcasing why the WNBA community is unlike any other in sports.
Meeting Their Biggest Little Fan
It all began after a high-energy game, when a bright-eyed little girl, maybe seven or eight years old, waited courtside wearing her best WNBA gear and a smile that could outshine the arena lights. Sophie Cunningham, the fiery Phoenix Mercury guard, spotted her first, making a beeline to say hello. Just as Sophie was getting down on the little one’s level, Kelsey Plum—the Las Vegas Aces’ dynamic scoring machine—swooped in as well.
What unfolded next was pure, unscripted gold.
The Most Wholesome “Rivalry” in Basketball
Sophie, always quick with a joke, grinned and said, “Did you come to see me play, or are you a Plum fan?” The girl hesitated, shyly covering her mouth while looking up at both athletes.
Kelsey, never missing an opportunity to stir the pot, played along: “Don’t be shy! We all know who your favorite is. But it’s okay, Soph—we can share.”
The banter escalated as the two all-stars jokingly pleaded their cases: Sophie flexed her muscles, showing off her strength, “I bet you like who has the biggest muscles!” Kelsey shot back, “Or maybe you like who wins more championships!” Even a nearby reporter couldn’t help but laugh at their antics, capturing the heartwarming exchange for all to see.
When the little girl finally found her voice, she delivered the perfect mic drop: “I love both of you!” The crowd around them burst into applause, the players showered her with high-fives, and social media immediately dubbed her the luckiest fan of the night.
Behind the Fun—True Community Spirit
Of course, what looked like a spontaneous competition was really just two athletes embodying the spirit of mentorship and fun that defines women’s basketball. Both Cunningham and Plum are known around the league for their approachable personalities, and fans—especially young ones—are never far from their minds.
“Sophie and I just love interacting with the kids,” Plum would later say when asked about the moment. “It brings us back to why we do what we do. Sometimes, when you’re in the grind of a season, moments like this remind you that you’re someone’s hero. It’s humbling—and hilarious!”
Cunningham added, “We do a lot of trash-talking on the court, so why not off the court, too? But seriously, seeing little girls so excited to meet us? That’s the best part of the job.”
The Power of Representation
Stories like this go beyond charming anecdotes—they speak to the impact WNBA stars have as role models, especially for young girls who can now dream of sports stardom in a way previous generations couldn’t.
The infectious energy of Cunningham and Plum’s interaction quickly inspired a wave of social media tributes. Parents posted photos of their children donning Cunningham and Plum jerseys, using hashtags like #GirlDad and #WomenInSports to express how much these athletes mean to their families. One tweet read, “My daughter couldn’t believe Sophie and Kelsey were fighting over HER! Thanks for making her year.” Another said, “Moments like this are why we love this league, on and off the court.”
Friendly Competition—The WNBA Way
The playful “rivalry” between Cunningham and Plum is emblematic of the camaraderie within the WNBA. Yes, they’re fierce competitors when the game clock is ticking. But off the court, they’re united in their mission to grow the game and inspire the next generation. That attitude sets the WNBA apart—not just as a league of basketball excellence, but as a true community.
Superstars like Cunningham and Plum make it a point to sign autographs, pose for selfies, and—when the occasion calls for it—argue over which of them a fan likes the most. It adds an extra layer of fun, breaking down the barriers between players and fans and making the league feel personal and accessible.
Why the Little Moments Matter
For that little girl—and for countless others watching on social media—having her basketball heroes not only notice her presence but delight in competing for her approval was more than just a feel-good moment. It was a reminder that she belongs in that space, that her love for the game is seen and celebrated, and that she could one day be the hero inspiring the next generation.
These moments matter. When athletes go the extra mile to make fans feel special, the effects ripple far beyond the court. Kids go home replaying the interaction again and again, maybe dribbling a little longer in the driveway, maybe daring to dream a little bigger for themselves.
As Cunningham and Plum continue to rack up points, collect accolades, and earn their places in basketball history, it might just be these small, unscripted acts of kindness and playfulness that define their true legacy.
What’s Next for Sophie, Kelsey, & Their Youngest Fans?
As the WNBA season heats up, one thing’s for certain—Sophie Cunningham and Kelsey Plum will keep fans, young and old, at the heart of everything they do. Whether they’re dropping dimes on the court or trading jokes in the tunnel, their impact goes well beyond the final score.
And as for that lucky little girl? Don’t be surprised if she’s inspired to lace up her own sneakers and start her basketball journey—all thanks to two role models who reminded her that being a fan is more than enough to start.
In the end, who does she like more? We have a feeling her answer will never change: “Both!”
