Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women's basketball league co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is set to debut. The league offers higher salaries, equity stakes, and aims to provide an offseason alternative for players. With a $35 million funding boost and numerous sponsorships, Unrivaled is poised to make a significant impact on women's sports.
Unrivaled, a groundbreaking 3-on-3 women's basketball league, is set to debut, offering a fresh and dynamic platform for female athletes. Co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, the league aims to provide players with better financial opportunities and a domestic alternative to playing overseas during the WNBA offseason. With a significant investment of $35 million and partnerships with top brands, Unrivaled is poised to elevate the profile of women's basketball in the United States.
Unrivaled is a new 3-on-3 women's professional basketball league co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. The league aims to provide a lucrative domestic alternative to playing overseas during the WNBA offseason. With six teams, each comprising six players, Unrivaled offers a unique format that includes shorter courts and an innovative scoring system. The league's first season will feature 36 WNBA players, including notable names like Brittney Griner and Sabrina Ionescu. "Because a lot of players probably my age and a little bit older are so accustomed to going overseas," Stewart told CBS News. "And now it's like, no, you play WNBA. You come to Unrivaled and we're gonna take care of you."[1][2]
Unrivaled sets a new standard for player compensation in women's sports, boasting the highest average salary for any professional women's league. Players earn an average of over $220,000 for the eight-week season, close to the maximum base salary in the WNBA. Additionally, players receive equity stakes and revenue shares. The league has raised $35 million in funding and secured sponsorships with major brands like Sephora, State Farm, and Samsung. "When you invest into the players and invest into women's sports, I think we're seeing the return already," Collier said. "This is just the beginning for us."[3][4]
Unrivaled's launch coincides with a growing interest in women's sports, particularly basketball. The league's unique format and higher player salaries are expected to put pressure on the WNBA and other women's sports leagues to improve their compensation and benefits. Unrivaled also offers a platform for players to build their brands and engage with fans during the WNBA offseason. "Unrivaled is showing that you don’t need a lot of time to pool resources together," said Brittney Griner. "Being happy with what we already have is not gonna fly." The league's success could pave the way for more investment in women's sports and set a new benchmark for player compensation and treatment.[5][6]
As Unrivaled prepares to tip off its inaugural season, it stands as a beacon of innovation and opportunity in women's sports. By offering higher salaries, equity stakes, and a platform for athletes to thrive, the league is poised to make a significant impact. With strong financial backing, high-profile sponsorships, and a unique format, Unrivaled is set to redefine the landscape of women's basketball, inspiring future generations of athletes and setting a new standard for professional sports leagues.
"When you invest into the players and invest into women's sports, I think we're seeing the return already." - Napheesa Collier
"Unrivaled is showing that you don’t need a lot of time to pool resources together." - Brittney Griner
"Because a lot of players probably my age and a little bit older are so accustomed to going overseas." - Breanna Stewart