Lynx Fans Mourn the StudBudz Splitting Up in WNBA Free Agency

Minnesota's dynamic duo of Natisha Hiedeman and Courtney Williams, known as the StudBudz, will no longer be teammates after Hiedeman signed with the Seattle Storm.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:27pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game in motion, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of deep purple, teal, and bright orange, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The StudBudz' departure leaves a void in the Minnesota Lynx roster and the hearts of their devoted fans.Seattle Today

The Minnesota Lynx are facing a major roster shakeup this offseason, as the popular duo of Natisha Hiedeman and Courtney Williams, affectionately known as the 'StudBudz', have gone their separate ways in WNBA free agency. Hiedeman has signed with the Seattle Storm, while Williams remains a free agent. The StudBudz had become fan favorites across the league after a viral Twitch stream during the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend, but now Lynx fans are mourning the loss of the dynamic pair.

Why it matters

The StudBudz were a crucial part of the Lynx's success in 2025, when the team finished with the league's best record. Their departure, along with the injury to star forward Napheesa Collier, leaves the Lynx facing major roster turnover and uncertainty heading into the 2026 season.

The details

Natisha Hiedeman spent the last two seasons with the Lynx after five years with the Connecticut Sun. In 2025, she averaged a career-high 9.1 points and 2.8 assists per game. Hiedeman and Courtney Williams, known as the 'StudBudz', gained a massive following across the WNBA after hosting a viral 72-hour Twitch stream during the 2025 All-Star Weekend. Their antics, including dancing with the commissioner and popularizing pink wigs, made them fan favorites. However, the StudBudz will now have to figure out how to stream together remotely, as Hiedeman has signed a two-year deal with the Seattle Storm.

  • Hiedeman posted a farewell to Minnesota on her Instagram on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • On Saturday, April 12, 2026, Hiedeman and the Seattle Storm jointly announced her signing with the team in free agency.
  • The 2026 WNBA season is set to tip off on May 8, 2026.

The players

Natisha Hiedeman

A guard who spent the last two seasons with the Minnesota Lynx after five years with the Connecticut Sun. In 2025, she averaged a career-high 9.1 points and 2.8 assists per game.

Courtney Williams

Hiedeman's former teammate on the Minnesota Lynx, known as the other half of the popular 'StudBudz' duo. Williams remains a free agent as of this writing.

Napheesa Collier

An All-Star and All-WNBA forward for the Minnesota Lynx who suffered a devastating ankle injury in the 2025 WNBA playoffs. Her return timeline for the 2026 season is unknown.

Cheryl Reeve

The head coach of the Minnesota Lynx.

Cathy Engelbert

The commissioner of the WNBA.

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What they’re saying

“Go Be Great 2”

— Courtney Williams

“Love you”

— Napheesa Collier, Lynx All-Star and All-WNBA forward

“I love you”

— DiJonai Carrington, Lynx guard

“An icon”

— Paige Bueckers

What’s next

The Lynx will need to find ways to replace the production and energy that Natisha Hiedeman and Courtney Williams brought to the team. The status of Napheesa Collier's return from injury will also be a major storyline to watch as the Lynx prepare for the 2026 WNBA season.

The takeaway

The departure of the popular 'StudBudz' duo is a major blow for the Minnesota Lynx, who are facing significant roster turnover and uncertainty heading into the 2026 WNBA season. The team's success will hinge on how they are able to replace the contributions of Hiedeman and Williams, as well as Collier's recovery from her ankle injury.