Why Unrivaled Is the Future of Women’s Basketball – & How It’s Already Beating the WNBA
Unrivaled: The Rise of a Game-Changer in Women’s Basketball
by: D’Joumbarey A. Moreau
The Scarlet Witch is celebrated as one of Marvel’s greatest characters because she can reshape reality itself.
Women’s basketball is about to undergo a similar transformation, thanks to Unrivaled, a groundbreaking 3-on-3 league co-founded by former University of Connecticut teammates Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx. Recognizing the challenges facing the WNBA, these two visionaries have stepped up to redefine the landscape of women’s professional sports.
As the league’s inaugural season kicks off in January 2025, the roster is quickly filling with some of the biggest stars in the game. It’s clear that this league is more than just a new competition—it’s a movement.
Cha-Ching! A Player-Centered Financial Revolution
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Unrivaled is its player-centric financial model, which could pose a serious challenge to the WNBA’s structure. Founded to provide players with a profitable alternative to overseas leagues, Unrivaled offers salaries that allow players to stay in the U.S. during the WNBA offseason.
With starting salaries of $250,000, players can earn more while playing fewer games in an eight-week season and still have time to rest before the WNBA season begins.
Thanks to a $100 million investment from Turner Sports, Unrivaled has already exceeded financial projections, allowing it to expand rosters and showcase games nationally. With broadcasting rights on TNT, players gain national exposure and a platform to build their legacies.
It’s a League By the Players, For the Players
Beyond the financial benefits, Unrivaled has fostered a strong community of athletes, featuring emerging stars like Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever) and Angel Reese (Chicago Sky) alongside veterans like Skylar Diggins-Smith (Seattle Storm) and Dearica Hamby (Los Angeles Sparks). By giving players equity in the league, Unrivaled values them as both athletes and business partners.
Although Unrivaled is set to run during the WNBA offseason, it represents a significant shift in the balance of power in women’s basketball. With higher salaries and shorter seasons, Unrivaled provides an appealing alternative for WNBA players who seek both financial stability and a say in shaping the future of the sport.
As the WNBA negotiates a new collective bargaining agreement, Unrivaled stands as a powerful reminder that female athletes now have options beyond traditional structures. If the WNBA doesn’t meet player demands for better pay, healthcare, and revenue sharing, it risks losing talent to leagues like Unrivaled.
Star Power Like Never Before: Unrivaled’s All-Star Cast
What truly sets Unrivaled apart isn’t just its unique 3-on-3 format—it’s the impressive talent assembled in its first season. Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner, one of the greatest players of all time, has officially signed on, adding significant star power. Alongside her are Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and other WNBA standouts, bringing both skill and legacy to the league.
The Unrivaled roster is stacked with top talent, featuring stars like:
• Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty)
• Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx)
• Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces)
• Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings)
• Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm)
• Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces)
• Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury)
• Skylar Diggins-Smith (Seattle Storm)
…and many more.
With an enticing offer of league equity, Unrivaled provides players a chance to shape its future, offering an invaluable platform for emerging talent and seasoned pros alike.
Gear Up, Basketball Fans: A Game-Changing Year Ahead
Unrivaled is positioned to make an immediate impact, not only in women’s basketball but in sports as a whole. The sport is gaining momentum globally, and Unrivaled is tapping into a growing fanbase eager to see their favorite players compete year-round.
This league is more than basketball; it’s a cultural movement that places athletes at the forefront of the conversation. By offering better financial incentives, exposure, and equity, Unrivaled is reshaping the landscape of women’s sports, both on and off the court. As more players sign up, all eyes are on Unrivaled to see just how far it can elevate women’s basketball—and whether the WNBA can keep up.
