PUnrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women’s professional basketball league, is set to debut this Friday, offering a fresh alternative for WNBA players during the offseason. Co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, this league provides an opportunity for players to remain stateside, staying in shape and earning competitive salaries, all while engaging in a different format of the sport.
Key Features of Unrivaled:
Gameplay Format: The league embraces a fast-paced, position-less style of play on a court larger than the Olympic 3-on-3 dimensions. Games consist of three seven-minute quarters, with a unique “winning score” final quarter determined by adding 11 points to the leading team’s score.
Player Participation: The league features some of the biggest names in women’s basketball, including Stewart, Angel Reese, Brittney Griner, and others. However, notable absentees like A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark are taking the offseason to rest.
Compensation: With an average salary of $222,000, Unrivaled offers financial incentives surpassing even the WNBA’s supermax contracts. This could pressure the WNBA to enhance its player compensation and benefits.
Investors and Partnerships: Backed by prominent athletes like Coco Gauff, Michael Phelps, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the league has secured partnerships with major brands such as Samsung and Under Armour. Games will be accessible via streaming on MAX and broadcast on TNT and truTV.
Implications for Women’s Basketball: Unrivaled aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of women’s basketball, providing fans with continuous action throughout the year. The league’s innovative format and financial model could drive viewership and increase the sport’s visibility, potentially influencing the WNBA’s operations and negotiations.
Looking Ahead: The league’s success could reshape the offseason dynamics for WNBA players, reducing the need to play overseas. With its inaugural season running from January to March, culminating before the NCAA Tournament, Unrivaled positions itself as a significant player in the evolving landscape of women’s professional basketball. The addition of a one-on-one tournament in February further diversifies its offerings, promising a captivating season for fans and players alike.
