In a groundbreaking move, the Unrivaled women’s basketball league has expanded its rosters for the upcoming inaugural season. The trailblazing venture, co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, announced Thursday that it would feature not 30, but 36 players – six teams of six – as it gears up to tip off in January.
The league’s 30th signing, revealed to be Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston, marks a significant milestone in Unrivaled’s rapid growth. Boston, the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year and a formidable presence on the court, joins a star-studded lineup that includes Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd, and Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale.
Expanding Opportunities, Exceeding Expectations
In a video announcing the roster expansion, Collier explained that the decision stemmed from Unrivaled’s financial success. “We’re able to do this because we outperformed our financial projections,” she revealed. “Now we get to do something that we wanted to do in the future, which is give more people spots in Unrivaled.”
The move underscores the league’s commitment to providing women’s basketball players with an alternative to playing overseas during the WNBA offseason. By offering an eight-week season and equity in the league, Unrivaled aims to empower athletes both on and off the court.
The Caitlin Clark Question
As Unrivaled continues to make waves, all eyes are on another rising star: Caitlin Clark. The league is expected to make an aggressive bid for the Iowa Hawkeyes phenom, with an offer rumored to exceed $1 million per season.
Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell confirmed the league’s interest in Clark, telling Sportico, “We’re always going to have a roster spot for Caitlin Clark.” However, he emphasized that they are giving her space to decompress from basketball before making a formal offer. “She knows that we have a spot for her when she’s ready,” Bazzell added.
A New Era for Women’s Basketball
The Unrivaled league’s rapid expansion and high-profile signings signal a new era for women’s basketball. By providing a competitive platform and financial incentives, the league aims to disrupt the status quo and elevate the game to new heights.
As the inaugural season approaches, basketball fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the league’s next moves. With a roster of 36 talented players and the potential addition of Caitlin Clark, Unrivaled is poised to make a lasting impact on the sport and inspire a new generation of athletes.
This is such an amazing time in women’s sports and we’re so thankful to all the positive people who have come out and supported us.
– Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled co-founder
The Unrivaled league’s journey is just beginning, but its impact is already being felt across the basketball world. As the venture continues to grow and evolve, one thing is certain: the future of women’s basketball has never looked brighter.
The move underscores the league’s commitment to providing women’s basketball players with an alternative to playing overseas during the WNBA offseason. By offering an eight-week season and equity in the league, Unrivaled aims to empower athletes both on and off the court.
The Caitlin Clark Question
As Unrivaled continues to make waves, all eyes are on another rising star: Caitlin Clark. The league is expected to make an aggressive bid for the Iowa Hawkeyes phenom, with an offer rumored to exceed $1 million per season.
Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell confirmed the league’s interest in Clark, telling Sportico, “We’re always going to have a roster spot for Caitlin Clark.” However, he emphasized that they are giving her space to decompress from basketball before making a formal offer. “She knows that we have a spot for her when she’s ready,” Bazzell added.
A New Era for Women’s Basketball
The Unrivaled league’s rapid expansion and high-profile signings signal a new era for women’s basketball. By providing a competitive platform and financial incentives, the league aims to disrupt the status quo and elevate the game to new heights.
As the inaugural season approaches, basketball fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the league’s next moves. With a roster of 36 talented players and the potential addition of Caitlin Clark, Unrivaled is poised to make a lasting impact on the sport and inspire a new generation of athletes.
This is such an amazing time in women’s sports and we’re so thankful to all the positive people who have come out and supported us.
– Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled co-founder
The Unrivaled league’s journey is just beginning, but its impact is already being felt across the basketball world. As the venture continues to grow and evolve, one thing is certain: the future of women’s basketball has never looked brighter.
