The debut season of Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 basketball league, promises to transform the way fans experience women's basketball. Featuring 36 top-tier players from the WNBA across six teams, this innovative league introduces an exhilarating format that emphasizes speed and entertainment. With distinct rules and court dimensions, Unrivaled sets itself apart from traditional basketball leagues, offering a fresh and dynamic viewing experience for sports enthusiasts.
In its inaugural season, Unrivaled showcases a condensed full-court setup measuring 49.2 feet by 72 feet, which is significantly different from the standard WNBA court size of 94 feet by 50 feet. This smaller playing area ensures faster-paced action and increased player movement. Additionally, the game structure includes three seven-minute quarters, contrasting sharply with the four 10-minute quarters common in other professional leagues. The fourth quarter operates on a unique "winning score" system, adding 11 points to the leading team's total after three quarters, ensuring no overtime and heightening the intensity of the final minutes.
Beyond the court dimensions and game length, Unrivaled also modifies several key aspects of play. The shot clock is set to 18 seconds, six seconds shorter than the WNBA’s 24-second timer, further accelerating the pace of the game. Fouls are handled uniquely as well; players are disqualified after their sixth personal foul, but if more than three players foul out, the remaining player can continue but will incur technical fouls for each additional personal foul. Free throws are awarded differently too, with one free throw being worth two or three points depending on whether the foul occurred during a 2-point or 3-point attempt.
To add another layer of excitement, Unrivaled will host a single-elimination 1-on-1 tournament from February 10-14, 2025, offering a grand prize of $250,000 to the winner and an additional $10,000 bonus to each of their 3-on-3 teammates. Key dates for the league include the selection of the Basketball Club on November 20, 2024, the regular season kick-off in Miami on January 17, 2025, and the championship game on March 17, 2025.
This new league not only introduces a novel format but also redefines the competitive landscape of women's basketball. By focusing on speed, innovation, and fan engagement, Unrivaled aims to captivate audiences and establish a new era in the sport. The combination of unique rules, compact gameplay, and substantial prizes positions Unrivaled as a groundbreaking addition to the world of professional basketball.