In the world of sports, rivalries on the pitch ignite the passion of players and fans. But sometimes, these rivalries go beyond the playing field. Ahead of the NWSL final between Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit, it’s not just the teams, but their co-owners Grant Hill and Magic Johnson who will be looking forward to facing each other, which has got the fans excited. 

Both being well-known figures in the world of Basketball, the LA Lakers legend joined co-ownership of Washington Spirit just this September, while the seven-time NBA All-Star Grant Hill has been part of Orlando Pride’s group since 2023. Although these two never faced off on the basketball court, the NWSL final will be the first major showdown between their teams. 

Each has turned to social media to fuel the friendly rivalry, backing their teams to come out on top. Hill recently shared a video calling Magic Johnson his hero growing up and said he looked forward to his Orlando side beating Johnson’s Spirit. Johnson even posted a picture with Hill, commenting that he too is looking forward to their teams facing off. 

It’s been a challenging journey for both teams. For Orlando, this marks their first-ever NWSL final and they’re aiming to secure their maiden title. The Pride also finished on top of the NWSL table during the regular season, achieving their best finish in nearly seven years, not finishing above 7th, since 2017. 

On the other side, the Washington Spirit looked shaky at the start of the season but managed to secure a spot in the NWSL playoffs. Since then, the side has been looking unbeatable, and there’s one more rivalry that’s brewing on the pitch between two of the best players from either side. 

NWSL Title Showdown: Marta’s first or Rodman’s second?

Marta, the face of female soccer, has been part of the Orlando side for 8 years. She’s been with the side through thick and thin, and after having a superb season individually with 11 goals and 1 assist, the ‘female Pele’ is eager to win their first title. There has been talk about whether she’d retire after achieving the feat. 

On the other side of the pitch, Trinity Rodman and co. look to win their second NWSL title, having last won it in 2021. Rodman will know all about winning finals, for she provided the game-winning assist the last time. The young forward will be among the favorites to win the NWSL MVP of the year if her spirits side brings the title home. 

Seb Hines’s Orlando side have won all four of their past encounters against Jonatan Giráldez’s Washington Spirit and are the only team to do so this season. While, the Spirits have only lost one of their 6 NWSL playoff matches which went into extra time. With the odds evenly stacked, we sure are all in for a mega match, which has got everyone confused about who the betting favorites will be!