![\"Phoenix](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/01k81s9pna10eh78pe6c.jpg\" "\\"Phoenix")
<\/p>\nDespite them having many obvious similarities, those who follow both the NBA and the WNBA know that these leagues could not be more different in many ways. <\/p>\n
One of the more distinct differences seems to be how opposing teams interact during and after games. While both leagues are extremely competitive when the action is underway, NBA stars always seem to be buddy-buddy with their opponents during dead balls and other pauses in the action. And after games, there are prolonged handshakes, conversations between competitors, and even the occasional jersey swap.<\/p>\n
The same can’t be said for the WNBA. While there might be brief exchanges between friends and former teammates on the court, almost every player keeps it professional and doesn’t engage with their opponent during the four quarters. And while cordial conversations occur after games, the WNBA doesn’t have any of the formal handshake lines that the NBA has.<\/p>\n
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Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts reacts after being ejected during the second half of game four against the Las Vegas Aces of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Sophie Cunningham Baffled By Lack of WNBA Postgame Handshakes<\/p>\n
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham addressed the WNBA not having a postgame handshake practice during an October 14 episode<\/a> of her Show Me Something podcast. <\/p>\n “I don’t know why we don’t shake hands [after WNBA games] anymore,” Cunningham said. “I think COVID kind of stopped all that.”<\/p>\n Cunningham’s co-host West Wilson then added, “It’s probably because they know there’s people like you in those lines. And if you have s*** with somebody, you’re gonna throw them a ‘bow right in the ribs.” <\/p>\n “All right, then. Here’s my thing to that: If you’re gonna talk s***, then back it up,” Cunningham added. “Then you have nothing to worry about… But a lot of those people, who do that, they can’t back it up. Shaking hands, it’s cool and whatnot, but no one means it.”<\/p>\n Why don\u2019t WNBA players shake hands postgame?@sophaller<\/a> doesn\u2019t get it pic.twitter.com\/hrI66R5Sjq<\/a><\/p>\n