Unrivaled: A New Era for Women’s Basketball
The basketball world has been buzzing as the WNBA offseason welcomes a game-changing addition: Unrivaled, a domestic 3-on-3 league founded by WNBA superstars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Launched on January 17, 2025, in Miami, Florida, this league is redefining women’s basketball with fast-paced action, innovative rules, and a roster of elite talent.
What Is Unrivaled?
Unrivaled is a 3-on-3 basketball league created to give WNBA players a competitive, domestic offseason alternative. Traditionally, many players go overseas for additional income and competition. Unrivaled changes that by offering financial incentives, player equity, and the opportunity to grow the sport right at home.
The Teams
The league consists of six creatively branded teams featuring some of the biggest names in the WNBA:
Laces
Andrew Wade (Head coach)
Kelsey Plum
Kayla McBride
Alyssa Thomas
Courtney Williams
Kate Martin
Stefanie Dolson
Lunar Owls
DJ Sackman (Head coach)
Skylar Diggins-Smith
Allisha Gray
Napheesa Collier
Natasha Cloud
Wild card
Shakira Austin
Mist
Phil Handy (Head coach)
Jewell Loyd
DiJonai Carrington
Breanna Stewart
Courtney Vandersloot
Rickea Jackson
Aaliyah Edwards
Phantom
Adam Harrington (Head coach)
Jackie Young
Marina Mabry
Satou Sabally
Tiffany Hayes
Wild card
Brittney Griner
Rose
Nola Henry (Head coach)
Chelsea Gray
Kahleah Cooper
Angel Reese
Brittney Sykes
Lexie Hull
Azurá Stevens
Vinyl
Teresa Weatherspoon (Head coach)
Arike Ogunbowale
Rhyne Howard
Aliyah Boston
Jordin Canada
Rae Burrell
Dearica Hamby
Notable players like Sabrina Ionescu, Brittney Griner, Natasha Cloud, and Satou Sabally headline the inaugural season, bringing star power to every matchup.
How It Works
Unrivaled’s rules are designed to keep the games fast and engaging:
• Court Size: Games are played on a 72-foot court.
• Shot Clock: A rapid 18-second shot clock pushes the tempo.
• Game Time: Three 7-minute quarters, with the fourth quarter being untimed.
• Final Target Score: The game ends when a team reaches 11 points beyond the leader’s score after three quarters.
This format guarantees excitement and drama, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Why It Matters?
Unrivaled doesn’t just fill a scheduling gap for WNBA players; it creates new opportunities. With a league salary pool of $8 million and most players earning six-figure salaries, it offers financial stability and a stake in the league’s growth. The planned midseason 1-on-1 tournament, where the winner will pocket at least $250,000, adds even more intrigue.
Where to Watch?
Fans can catch Unrivaled games on TNT, TruTV, or stream them on Max.
The Future of Women’s Basketball
Unrivaled is more than just a league—it’s a movement. By showcasing the best women’s basketball players in an innovative format, it’s setting the stage for the sport’s next chapter. Whether you’re a lifelong WNBA fan or new to the game, this league promises action, entertainment, and a fresh perspective on basketball.
Stay tuned as Unrivaled continues to push boundaries and elevate women’s hoops.
What are your thoughts on Unrivaled? Which team are you rooting for? Let me know in the comments below!
