Just three months after the most spectacular WNBA Finals in history, a groundbreaking era of women’s basketball is set to begin. Unrivaled, founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, introduces a new 3-on-3 league designed to keep players competing domestically during the WNBA offseason. This innovative league aims to elevate the sport and provide an unparalleled platform for elite athletes. With star-studded teams and a custom-built facility in Miami, Unrivaled is poised to make its mark this winter.
Revolutionizing Offseason Play
The formation of Unrivaled addresses a longstanding challenge faced by top-tier basketball players. Previously, many athletes had to travel overseas to find competitive play and maintain their income. The new league offers a solution, allowing players to stay in the U.S. and continue honing their skills without interruption. This shift not only benefits the players but also enriches the domestic basketball scene.
Unrivaled’s unique structure includes six teams, each comprising six players. The league president, Luke Cooper, emphasizes that the league was crafted with basketball enthusiasts in mind. “Our focus is on creating an environment where players can thrive,” he explained. “The caliber of talent here will push everyone to be better.” The league features some of the biggest names in basketball, including Angel Reese, Aliyah Boston, Brittney Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, and many more. These stars are ready to showcase their talents in Miami, setting the stage for an unforgettable season.
Showcasing Elite Talent
The inaugural season of Unrivaled kicks off on January 17th with a highly anticipated matchup between Breanna Stewart’s Mist and Napheesa Collier’s Lunar Owls. Fans can catch the action live on TNT, while cord-cutters have the option to stream via Sling. Following this opener, the league has scheduled a series of thrilling games throughout the season, ensuring continuous excitement for basketball enthusiasts.
Each team in Unrivaled brings together formidable rosters. For instance, the Mist features DiJonai Carrington, Aaliyah Edwards, Rickea Jackson, Jewell Loyd, Breanna Stewart, and Courtney Vandersloot. Meanwhile, the Lunar Owls boast Shakira Austin, Cameron Brink, Napheesa Collier, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Allisha Gray, and Courtney Williams. Other teams like Laces BC, Phantom BC, Rose BC, and Vinyl BC round out the league with equally impressive lineups. The schedule promises a packed calendar of matches, from January through March, culminating in the semifinals and finals. With such a stellar lineup of talent and a carefully curated schedule, Unrivaled is set to captivate audiences and redefine the landscape of women’s basketball.