If you love the WNBA, some awesome news dropped today!
Exciting details were released about Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 professional women’s basketball league co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.
First announced last summer, this new six-team, 30-player league reflects increasing demand for women’s basketball. As the WNBA experiences a meteoric rise in popularity because of new fans and the rise of young stars, here comes Unrivaled to further propel the momentum of the sport.
Backed by an all-star group of investors and set to begin its inaugural season in Miami in January 2025 (WNBA offseason), Unrivaled is positioned to not only tap into the surge of growth across women’s basketball but also deliver new opportunities for these players and the sport itself.
Here are 5 reasons why this league’s groundbreaking model is set to transform the future of the sport:
1. It’s a League Built by Athletes, for Athletes
Unrivaled is the first professional women’s basketball league where players have equity and a vested interest in the league’s success.
This innovative player-centered model ensures that the athletes are directly invested in the growth and prosperity of the league. They have a significant stake in the league’s future.
“Compensation is a huge part of Unrivaled as a league and a business,” Napheesia Collier told the Associated Press. “All the players in this first year will have equity in the league. For players to have a piece of the pie essentially to grow their generational wealth is something we’re really excited about.”
2. Players Will Earn the Highest Average Salary in Women’s Sports
There’s been much talk about the average salaries of WNBA players. In many cases, players either have to dial up their off-court sponsorships or play overseas to supplement their WNBA incomes.
Unrivaled salaries will start in the six-figure range, offering the highest average salary in women’s professional sports league history.
“With Unrivaled, we’re revolutionizing the game by prioritizing investments in our stars and ensuring their on-court performance is reflected in their pay,” said Breanna Stewart.
This commitment to financial equity and new standards for player compensation are a game-changer for athletes.
3. It’s Backed by Legendary Athletes and Industry Leaders
It’s no secret that building a successful league takes a wealth of investment. Unrivaled has added a strong group of investors, made up of renowned athletes and industry leaders, to fund the launch.
These investors include Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Michelle Wie West, Carmelo Anthony, Ashton Kutcher, Geno Auriemma, Gary Vaynerchuck, and Steve Nash, among others.
This group of influential figures should provide a strong foundation for the league’s future. Their backing also brings invaluable experience and visibility to the league.
4. It’ll feature Fast-Paced, 3-on-3 Full Court Play
Rules are still being ironed out, but you can expect some major differences from WNBA games. Unrivaled introduces a faster 3-on-3, compressed full-court style of play.
One way to describe Unrivaled games will be – FAST!
- 3-on-3 matchups will give players more spacing.
- Teams will play on a smaller court that’s roughly two-thirds the size of a WNBA one (60 feet long versus almost 92 feet), so they’ll get down the court faster.
- The league will run for eight weeks and teams will play two games per week.
- Games will be four quarters long like the WNBA, but with less time in each quarter.
This format should highlight players’ skills and agility, ensuring an exciting experience for fans.
“Showcasing the best players in the world in a 3-on-3 format will accelerate the understanding of just how good these players are and how exciting this game is,” said John Skipper, co-founder of Meadowlark Media and former President of ESPN.
5. It Allows WNBA Players to Shine At Home Year-Round
Lastly, and what I feel is perhaps the most important:
Unrivaled gives WNBA players the chance to stay in the United States and continue playing professionally during the WNBA offseason.
This boosts the visibility of women’s basketball and keeps fans engaged with their favorite players year-round. It means new rivalries and more storylines.
“This is an opportunity for us to extend our visibility into the traditional basketball season,” explained Collier.
Rosters are yet to be TBD, but Stewart and Collier have suggested teams will consist of 30 top WNBA players, including All-Stars. Players will get to live roughly 15 minutes from the facility in Miami, where a soundstage is getting built.
Get Involved
Unrivaled will tip off its inaugural season in January 2025. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as this league prepares to make history. For now, follow Unrivaled Basketball on Instagram and Twitter and sign up for their newsletter.
