“This will be the 16th” — the pre-game desire of Magic Johnson from the NWSL championship game has been left unfulfilled. From his journey as an NBA superstar to owning multiple franchises, Johnson has claimed 15 championships. And hopes were high for another addition with his Washington Spirit facing Orlando Pride in the Final. The 12x NBA All-Star, however, is not bitter about his team’s loss. If anything, he has extended a heartfelt message to not just his team but another NBA star leading the opposing side–Grant Hill.

“Congratulations to my good friend Grant Hill and the Orlando Pride on winning the NWSL Championship! I want to thank my amazing business partner and @WashSpirit owner Michele Kang, our Spirit players and coaching staff for a hard fought game,” Johnson wrote on X. He also thanked all the fans for their support throughout this season. “I’m looking forward to what’s to come next year!” 

Let’s take a moment to talk about the Pride. What a season they had! They started strong, with an incredible 23-match unbeaten streak. And they capped it off with their first-ever league title. Barbra Banda, the Pride’s powerhouse, delivered when it mattered most. With 13 goals in the regular season and 4 more in the playoffs, her performance was nothing short of sensational.

And goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse? A wall between the posts, earning yet another shutout to bring the team’s tally to 14 this season. But perhaps the sweetest victory belonged to Marta. Yes, the Marta—the FIFA Women’s World Cup all-time leading scorer. At 38, she finally claimed her first NWSL championship.

As for the Spirit, they fought hard. Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury made key saves, and forwards Ashley Hatch and Trinity Rodman came so close to turning the tide. But the Pride’s Barbra Banda had other plans, scoring the decisive goal in the 37th minute with a strike that showcased her brilliance. A display that truly deserved acknowledgement from Magic Johnson himself.

Grant Hills issued a challenge for Magic Johnson ahead of the NWSL championship game

The excitement surrounding the NWSL Championship had intensified when Hill delivered a spirited challenge to Johnson in a video posted on his social media. “Hey, Magic, I know you’re my hero, basketball hero, and you know I got nothing but love for you,” Hill started off, striking a nostalgic chord. But then, the gloves come off.

“I’m gonna see you in Kansas City, ‘cause right here, Orlando Pride (points to the Orlando logo on his polo) will see your Washington Spirit come Saturday in Kansas City. Hopefully, you’ll be there, ’cause I know I’ll be there,” Hill said further in the video. Hill joined Orlando Pride’s ownership in 2023, while Johnson stepped into the Washington Spirit’s ownership circle just this September.

And the 5x NBA champ wasn’t shy about his goals either. “We want to win championships. I got 14 world championships. I need 15 now…” he said upon his arrival in the franchise. Sure enough, his LA Dodgers delivered that 15th championship, but Magic Johnson was now eying for the 16th one. This time, however, it’s Grant Hill who’ll be taking the win.