In a groundbreaking move set to elevate women’s basketball, the highly anticipated Unrivaled league officially tips off its inaugural season this Friday in Miami. Featuring an innovative 3-on-3 format and an all-star lineup of WNBA talent, Unrivaled aims to provide a competitive showcase for the world’s best players during the WNBA offseason while introducing exciting new rules to create a fast-paced, player-first basketball experience.
A Vision for Unrivaled Basketball
Founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled was born out of a desire to keep elite women’s basketball talent in the United States year-round and give players an alternative to overseas leagues. The league’s president of basketball operations, Luke Cooper, emphasized that every aspect of Unrivaled was “built by basketball players for basketball people.”
“Everything was built for the players. The business was built for the players, the facility was built for the players, and the actual game – the 3-on-3 full court is rooted in how you would play basketball as a kid.”
– Luke Cooper, Unrivaled President of Basketball Operations
This player-centric philosophy is reflected in Unrivaled’s groundbreaking salary structure, with the league touting the highest average salaries in women’s team sports. With a total salary pool of $8 million for its 36 players, Unrivaled’s average salary of around $222,000 surpasses the WNBA’s 2024 average of $119,500. Players will also receive equity stakes in the league.
Star-Studded Rosters and Innovative Format
The league’s inaugural player pool features an impressive collection of talent, with 7 former No. 1 WNBA draft picks and 17 Olympians among the 36 players. Top names include league founders Stewart and Collier, as well as Sabrina Ionescu, Jackie Young, Jewell Loyd, and Brittney Griner.
Unrivaled’s unique 3-on-3 rules are designed to showcase player skill and encourage a fast, free-flowing style of play. Games will consist of three 7-minute quarters followed by a “winning score” quarter where the first team to reach a target score wins. The condensed full court and 18-second shot clock aim to create an up-tempo, high-scoring brand of basketball.
Investor Backing and Launch Plans
The buzz around Unrivaled has attracted an impressive list of investors, with over $35 million in funding secured. High-profile backers include NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Phelps, Dawn Staley, and JuJu Watkins. Their support underscores the league’s potential to revolutionize women’s basketball.
After an innovative coach-led roster selection process, the league’s six teams are set to face off over an eight-week season from January 17 to March 17 at a purpose-built facility in Miami. Games will air on TNT and TruTV, with an anticipated championship finale on March 17.
- The eight-week regular season uses a condensed full court 3-on-3 format with innovative rules to encourage fast-paced games.
- The league’s 36-player roster features 7 former No. 1 WNBA draft picks and 17 Olympians, a stunning collection of elite talent.
- Unrivaled has already secured over $35 million in funding from an A-list of athlete and celebrity investors.
As the ball tips on Unrivaled’s inaugural game, the excitement is palpable. Armed with top talent, a player-first mission, invigorating new rules, and robust financial backing, this upstart 3-on-3 league appears poised to make a major impact on the trajectory of women’s basketball in the years to come. All eyes will be on Miami this winter as Unrivaled fights to live up to its lofty name and ambitions.
Will Unrivaled’s bold vision come to fruition and provide WNBA stars an enticing alternative to overseas competition? Can its innovative format and rules package captivate audiences and carve out a sustainable niche alongside the WNBA? As the first season unfolds, the basketball world will find out if this promising initiative can truly change the game for women’s hoops.
