It was a moment meant to celebrate victory, but it quickly turned into one of the most memorable—and meme-worthy—interactions in recent WNBA history. Following the Las Vegas Aces’ Commissioner’s Cup championship win, Sydney Colson embraced her teammate, Alysha Clark, during the post-game celebrations. It was a typical victory hug, full of joy and relief. But what came next added a twist of comedy and unexpected flair that caught fans and commentators by surprise.
Caught on camera amid the confetti, laughter, and cheers, fellow Aces player Kelsey Plum and assistant coach Natalie Nakase were also seen joining in the celebration. But it was reserve guard Riquna “Bay Bay” Williams, back with the team after an extended absence, who stole the spotlight with a perfectly timed joke. As Colson and Clark were soaking in the moment, Williams leaned in with a smile and said, “I need a cut of that 500K!” referring to the team’s prize money for winning the Commissioner’s Cup.
The statement was meant in jest, but the delivery was so smooth and spontaneous that it instantly went viral. Social media lit up with reactions. Fans and analysts flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok with clips, gifs, and commentary, many praising Williams’ impeccable comedic timing. Within hours, the phrase “cut of that 500K” had become part of the post-game narrative, shifting the tone from just another dominant Aces performance to one infused with humor, personality, and camaraderie.
To understand why this moment resonated so strongly, it helps to look at the culture of the Las Vegas Aces. The team, already stacked with talent like A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young, is known not only for its on-court dominance but also for its off-court chemistry. Colson in particular has been the heart of the team’s personality, often acting as the group’s unofficial hype woman. She brings infectious energy, quick wit, and a willingness to be goofy even in the most intense moments. Williams, with her laid-back swagger and sense of humor, complemented Colson perfectly in that post-game moment.
Their chemistry wasn’t built overnight. Williams, who missed most of the 2023 season due to legal issues stemming from a domestic violence case, recently rejoined the Aces. Her return was met with a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism. While the organization hadn’t publicly elaborated on the full details of her reinstatement, teammates and fans welcomed her back into the fold. Her playful comment during the Commissioner’s Cup celebration felt like an organic re-entry—light, fun, and devoid of tension. It was a reminder that sports, even at their highest competitive levels, are still grounded in human connection and emotion.
The \$500,000 prize money was no small figure. For many WNBA players, whose salaries are significantly lower than those of their NBA counterparts, this bonus offers meaningful financial impact. Each player on the winning roster stands to gain around \$30,000, a figure that represents a significant portion of many players’ annual income. So when Williams joked about getting a slice of the pie, it struck a chord—not only for its humor but also for the underlying truth about economics in women’s sports.
There’s also something to be said about the visibility of this moment. WNBA games are increasingly being televised, streamed, and shared widely online, and fans are not just watching the games—they’re watching the behind-the-scenes content, the sidelines, the press conferences, and the celebrations. These moments, once confined to the locker room or team buses, are now part of the public story. Williams’ joke was caught on a broadcast camera, complete with clear audio and perfect comedic timing. It was, in many ways, a made-for-viral moment.
What makes this story even more interesting is how it ties into broader conversations about money in women’s sports. The WNBA has been in the spotlight for issues ranging from salary disparities to charter flights to expansion opportunities. The Commissioner’s Cup, introduced in 2021, was designed not just as a mid-season tournament to generate excitement but also as a way to infuse more prize money into the league. For players, it’s both an opportunity to compete at a high level and a chance to earn bonuses that can make a real difference in their lives.
Williams’ joke, while funny, also served as a micro-commentary on the financial realities many WNBA players face. In a league where the maximum salary is under \$250,000, the additional \$30,000 from a tournament win isn’t just extra—it’s substantial. That reality isn’t lost on the players or the fans. It’s part of what gives the WNBA its unique edge: the blend of elite athleticism, cultural relevance, and social awareness.
Of course, it wasn’t long before the meme machine went into full gear. WNBA Twitter and fan communities quickly turned Williams’ joke into a soundbite, remixing the clip with music, subtitles, and even mock invoice graphics. Some joked about sending Venmo requests to Colson. Others created parody cash app screenshots where “Bay Bay” requests her cut. Even Aces players got in on the fun, reposting the clip and tagging each other with laughing emojis and playful hashtags.
More than just a joke, though, the moment illustrated a broader theme: joy. So often, the discourse around women’s sports centers on struggle, inequity, and advocacy. These are important and necessary conversations. But it’s also essential to celebrate the moments of pure fun, of levity, of personality. When a player like Riquna Williams can rejoin a championship-caliber team and instantly be part of a viral, funny moment, it shows that the locker room is strong. The bonds are real. And the game is growing not just in skill but in character.
In the days following the event, Williams posted on Instagram, sharing a clip of the moment with the caption: “Y’all know I was playing… but fr tho .” Her comment section filled up with heart emojis, inside jokes, and calls for a reality show featuring the Aces’ behind-the-scenes antics. It’s not hard to imagine why. Fans are hungry not just for basketball but for the personalities behind the jerseys. The more access they get to those personalities, the more connected they feel to the league.
Sydney Colson, for her part, handled the joke like a pro. She burst into laughter on camera and pulled Williams in for another hug. It was the kind of unscripted, authentic moment that speaks volumes about team culture. In a league that’s constantly evolving, these glimpses into personal dynamics are as valuable as stat lines or game footage.
Ultimately, what happened after the Aces’ Commissioner’s Cup win wasn’t just a joke or a meme—it was a moment of visibility, levity, and humanity. It showed that even as these athletes battle for titles, endorsements, and respect, they still know how to laugh, how to connect, and how to share joy with the people around them.
Whether or not Williams gets “a cut” of the prize money remains to be seen (spoiler: she won’t). But in terms of cultural currency, she may have already won something even more valuable: the hearts of fans, the spotlight of the internet, and a moment that will live on long after the final buzzer.
