On February 8, 2026, during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny delivered a highly anticipated halftime show, blending vibrant visuals with powerful themes. In a surprising moment, the singer offered his first and only English phrase of the performance: “God bless America.” He then proceeded to name numerous countries throughout Latin America and North America in Spanish, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, the USA, and Canada—highlighting the broad and inclusive meaning of “America.” This special mention particularly resonated with Aaliyah Edwards, a Canadian forward in the WNBA, who shared her enthusiasm on social media.
Born in Kingston, Ontario, Edwards developed her basketball career in Canada before moving to the United States to join UConn for college basketball. She quickly rose as a prominent athlete, averaging 16.6 points and 9.0 rebounds in her junior year and securing the sixth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. Currently playing for the Connecticut Sun, Edwards proudly represents Canada internationally, including competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She expressed her excitement about Bad Bunny’s shoutout by tweeting,
🇨🇦 getting a s/o from Bad Bunny☺️ pic.twitter.com/ui6xYARofm
— Aaliyah Edwards, WNBA Forward
Tracing Edwards’s Journey from Canada to the WNBA Spotlight
Edwards’ basketball journey began in her hometown where she attended Crestwood Preparatory College, leading her team to three championships. Her success at the collegiate level in the United States cemented her reputation among top college athletes and paved the way for her professional career. By maintaining her Canadian roots and competing on an international level, Edwards is becoming a key figure for the next generation of Canadian basketball talent aiming for the WNBA and beyond.
WNBA Star Paige Bueckers Joins Super Bowl Fans in Santa Clara
Another notable WNBA figure, Paige Bueckers, was present at Levi’s Stadium to witness the Seattle Seahawks clinch victory over the New England Patriots. Known for her love of attending sporting events during the offseason, Bueckers seized the opportunity to enjoy the biggest sporting event in the United States firsthand.
Bueckers was spotted outside the stadium alongside pop artist Kallie Rock and Nebraska volleyball star Harper Murray before the game. She shared glimpses of her Super Bowl experience on Instagram, including a moment featuring a banner reading
“The Only Thing More Powerful Than Hate Is Love”
stretching across the stadium.
Participation in Bay Area Festivities Showcases Bueckers’s Competitive Spirit
In addition to watching the game, Bueckers took part in the Gatorade Hydration Games, a pre-Super Bowl event featuring athletes such as Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Demonstrating her skills, Bueckers notably impressed on social media by perfectly tossing a football into a Gatorade cooler, marking a highlight of her time at the event.
Super Bowl Experience Highlights the Vibrancy of Athlete Culture and Fandom
For athletes like Edwards and Bueckers, events like the Super Bowl offer a stage beyond their usual competitive realms—an opportunity to connect with broader sports culture and community. Edwards’ reaction to Bad Bunny’s inclusive homage and Bueckers’ engagement in festivities underscore the interconnectedness of sport, music, and cultural influence.
As the WNBA continues to grow in prominence, the visibility of stars such as Edwards and Bueckers at major sports and cultural events is pivotal. These moments help elevate women’s basketball while bridging diverse fan bases, creating a hopeful path for future athletes navigating both national pride and global audiences.
🇨🇦 getting a s/o from Bad Bunny☺️ pic.twitter.com/ui6xYARofm
— Aaliyah Edwards (@AaliyahEdwards_) February 9, 2026
