The Unrivaled era of women’s basketball has arrived. On January 17th, the upstart 3-on-3 pro league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart tipped off in Miami to a packed house and palpable excitement. With an emphasis on elite player experience, top-tier salaries, and intense competition, Unrivaled aims to revolutionize the women’s hoops landscape.
A New Era Tips Off
As the ball went up for the opening game jump, Unrivaled co-founders Collier and Stewart shared a knowing glance – the culmination of two years of meticulous planning and grand ambition. Thirteen seconds later, Stewart scored the first basket in league history, setting the tone for the high-octane action to come.
The sold-out crowd of 850 at Miami’s custom-built Wayfair Arena buzzed with anticipation. With 17 Olympians and a who’s who of WNBA talent on the six team rosters, the level of play did not disappoint. The fast-paced 3-on-3 format, complete with a “first to score X points” ending, had the intimate arena rocking from wire to wire.
Unrivaled Amenities
But Unrivaled is about more than just the on-court product. With reportedly the highest salaries in women’s team sports – over $200,000 per player on average – and equity stakes up to 15%, the league has put its money where its mouth is in terms of properly valuing these world-class athletes.
The training facilities are state of the art, featuring a full-size practice court, temperature-controlled recovery tubs, infrared saunas, and an on-site childcare center. For players used to rec center workouts and icing in buckets, it’s a game-changer.
“We’re trying to set the bar on what it means to be a professional athlete, especially on the women’s side,” said Collier. “We’re trying to create change for all women’s basketball players.”
Elevating the Competition
The competitiveness and camaraderie are palpable. Players who usually face off in the WNBA are now teammates, pushing each other to improve daily. For younger stars like 2024 WNBA #7 pick Angel Reese, the opportunity to learn from and train with legends like Unrivaled teammate Kahleah Copper is invaluable.
The level of focus is impressive, especially for the “offseason.” After her team’s opening night loss, an unleagueed Chelsea Gray retreated to the recovery room, headphones on to tune out the postgame celebrations emanating from the adjacent locker room. The message was clear – Unrivaled games may be exhibitions, but they still matter.
“I knew the caliber of talent, the types of dogs we would have,” said Skylar Diggins-Smith. “Coming in here you better be competitive, or you were going to get your ass busted.”
Unrivaled Ripple Effects
While not directly involved, Unrivaled’s impact is already being felt in ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations. Players are taking note of the enhanced facilities and amenities, and aren’t shy about demanding the same from their primary employers.
Wings forward Satou Sabally did not mince words: “It’s not OK that we cold tub with college athletes, that we share our locker room with random people. Unrivaled is setting a great standard. We will all come back and demand that.”
In just one weekend, Unrivaled has already shaken up the women’s basketball world. With plans to expand, a pipeline of young stars like Paige Bueckers and Flau’Jae Johnson already bought in, and a proof of concept that “if you build it, they will come,” this 3-on-3 upstart may just become a major part of the women’s hoops ecosystem for years to come. Game on.
