Sophie Cunningham Questions Absence of Postgame Handshakes in WNBA, Citing Cultural Differences

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has ignited a conversation about a subtle but significant cultural distinction between the WNBA and its male counterpart, the NBA: the absence of the formal postgame handshake line. During a recent podcast appearance, Cunningham explored the reasons behind this missing ritual, offering insights into the league’s intensely competitive environment and questioning the authenticity of such traditions.

The discussion unfolded during an October 14 episode of her podcast, Show Me Something. Cunningham directly addressed the lack of a standardized postgame ceremony where opposing teams line up to exchange handshakes, a long-standing tradition in many sports. “I don’t know why we don’t shake hands [after WNBA games] anymore,” Cunningham stated, before offering a potential explanation. “I think COVID kind of stopped all that.”

Her comment points to the widespread impact of the global pandemic, which forced sports leagues worldwide to overhaul their health and safety protocols. Physical contact was minimized, and many on-field or on-court traditions were temporarily suspended to reduce transmission risks. While many sports have since reverted to pre-pandemic norms, Cunningham’s observation suggests that in the WNBA, the handshake line may have become a permanent casualty of that era.

A Contrasting View on Competition

Cunningham’s co-host, West Wilson, immediately countered with a more provocative theory. He suggested the absence of the ritual might be a deliberate measure to manage the league’s high-stakes rivalries. “It’s probably because they know there’s people like you in those lines,” Wilson said to Cunningham. “And if you have s*** with somebody, you’re gonna throw them a ‘bow right in the ribs.”

This comment prompted a fiery and revealing response from Cunningham, who defended the idea of accountability in competition. “All right, then. Here’s my thing to that: If you’re gonna talk s***, then back it up,” she declared. “Then you have nothing to worry about… But a lot of those people, who do that, they can’t back it up.”

Cunningham further diminished the value of the gesture itself, arguing that forced sportsmanship lacks genuine meaning. “Shaking hands, it’s cool and whatnot, but no one means it,” she added. Her perspective frames the handshake not as a sign of respect, but as a hollow formality that can mask unresolved on-court tensions. This viewpoint champions a more authentic, if confrontational, approach to professional rivalry, where actions on the court are what truly matter.

The NBA and WNBA: A Tale of Two Cultures

The conversation highlights a well-observed but rarely articulated difference between the two premier basketball leagues in the United States. While both are home to elite athletes competing at the highest level, their postgame cultures diverge significantly. In the NBA, it is common to see star players engaging in lengthy and friendly interactions after the final buzzer. These exchanges often include hugs, extended conversations, and even jersey swaps, creating a visual narrative of camaraderie that transcends team allegiances.

This “buddy-buddy” atmosphere has, in recent years, drawn criticism from some fans and analysts who feel it diminishes the intensity of rivalries that once defined the league. The argument is that an overly friendly environment can soften the competitive edge that makes sports compelling.

In stark contrast, the WNBA typically features a more professionally distant atmosphere. While players who are friends or former teammates may share brief, cordial exchanges, the league-wide spectacle of a formal handshake line or prolonged fraternization is absent. As Cunningham confirmed, there is a pre-game ritual where the starting lineups acknowledge each other, but she characterized this as nothing more than a perfunctory formality. This distinction suggests the WNBA’s culture may prioritize an unvarnished competitive focus from the opening tip to the final horn, with less emphasis on public displays of postgame collegiality.

In an attempt to find an official explanation, West Wilson turned to technology, asking ChatGPT for the reason why the WNBA does not have a postgame handshake tradition. According to the original report, the AI-powered chatbot did not provide a definitive answer, leaving the question open to the speculation offered by Cunningham and Wilson.

Given the sentiments expressed by Cunningham and the established cultural norms of the league, a reintroduction of the postgame handshake line in the WNBA appears highly unlikely. The league seems to be forging its own path, one that values raw competition and authenticity over performative rituals. For fans and players alike, this distinction may be for the best, preserving an environment where on-court battles remain the undisputed focus.