“Stewie’s Secret Weapon?” Breanna Stewart’s Hot Dog Surprise for Paige Bueckers Has WNBA Fans Losing Their Minds
The WNBA delivered another unforgettable off-court moment before the Dallas Wings and New York Liberty faced off on Tuesday night, and this time it wasn’t about a highlight-reel play or a game-winning shot.
Instead, it was a couple of hot dogs.
Before tipoff at the Liberty’s matchup against the Wings, New York superstar had a surprise waiting for Dallas rookie sensation . Stewart walked up to Bueckers with a pair of “glizzies” a playful nickname for hot dogs creating a hilarious moment that quickly spread across social media.
The simple gesture immediately became one of the most talked-about moments surrounding the game.
The official account shared a clip of Stewart handing the hot dogs to Bueckers, captioning the moment: “Breanna Stewart gifts Paige Bueckers pregame hot dogs before Wings vs. Liberty. ‘When you come to New York, you get a glizzy.’”
What started as a friendly pregame joke quickly turned into a viral WNBA conversation, with fans joking that Stewart may have had a hidden agenda before facing one of the league’s brightest young stars.
Some supporters jokingly suggested that Stewart was trying to distract Bueckers before the game.
“Stewie is trying to get Paige sick before the game so we can secure the win,” one fan wrote on social media.
Another fan joked that the hot dogs were actually a secret strategy, writing, “Stewie trying to sabotage.”
The playful reactions continued as fans created their own theories about the unexpected gift.
“Don’t eat those Paige, she’s setting you up,” another fan posted.
Others joked that if Bueckers struggled during the game, Stewart would immediately become the person fans blamed.
“If P have a stinker watch your back @breannastewart,” one supporter wrote.
The jokes showed just how much attention the moment received. In a league where rivalries and friendships continue to drive fan engagement, the interaction between Stewart and Bueckers provided another example of the personalities that make the WNBA increasingly popular.
But behind the jokes was a genuine gesture between two players connected by their shared history at .
Stewart, one of the greatest players in college basketball history, helped build a championship legacy at UConn before becoming a WNBA superstar. Bueckers followed a similar path, becoming one of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball during her time with the Huskies.
The two stars have developed a strong relationship, and Stewart later explained the reason behind the unusual gift.
“Because she was in Toronto for the 4th of July and she didn’t get hot dogs. So here we go,” Stewart said.
Bueckers clearly appreciated the gesture, laughing while calling it the “best gift ever.”
The lighthearted moment showed another side of professional athletes the friendships and connections that exist away from the pressure of competition.
However, once the game started, both players quickly switched from jokes to business.
Despite the pregame fun, Stewart and Bueckers delivered strong performances for their teams.
Stewart led the Liberty with an impressive night, finishing with 29 points and nine rebounds. Her scoring ability and veteran leadership continued to be a major part of New York’s success.
On the other side, Bueckers showed why she has become one of the most exciting young players in the WNBA. The Dallas star recorded 15 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, helping the Wings secure an 88-77 victory over the Liberty.
The matchup also created another special reunion moment involving UConn.
Longtime Huskies coach attended the game at Barclays Center and joined the broadcast before tipoff. He caught up with both Stewart and Bueckers, two players who represent different eras of UConn basketball excellence.
During the interview, Auriemma asked Stewart about Bueckers and the impact the young guard has already made in professional basketball.
Stewart responded with high praise for her former college rival and teammate.
“Having her at Unrivaled, just helping her with her real offseason, that’s kind of when it slows down,” Stewart said. “She just continues to make a name for herself in the league and everyone knows who she is and that’s why she is so great.”
The comments highlighted the respect Stewart has for Bueckers as she begins her WNBA journey.
After becoming one of the most decorated players in college basketball history, Bueckers entered the professional ranks with massive expectations. Every game brings more attention, and moments like the hot dog exchange only add to her growing popularity.
For Stewart, the moment was another example of her ability to connect with younger players while maintaining her role as one of the league’s biggest stars.
Both Stewart and Bueckers were also selected as All-Star starters this season, further showing their status among the WNBA’s elite players.
The viral hot dog moment may have lasted only a few seconds, but it captured everything fans love about the modern WNBA: star power, personality, competition, and unforgettable interactions.
What began as a simple “welcome to New York” gift turned into a social media highlight before the game even started.
And while fans joked that Stewart was trying to sabotage Bueckers with the surprise snack, the reality was much simpler it was one basketball star showing appreciation for another.
Then, when the lights came on and the ball went up, both players reminded everyone why they are among the most exciting names in the sport.
The hot dogs provided the entertainment before the game.
The performances provided the answer once it mattered.
