The landscape of women’s professional sports in the United States is about to change with the launch of Unrivaled Basketball, a groundbreaking 3-on-3 professional women’s basketball league. Founded by WNBA superstars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, this league is set to deliver a new level of competition, unprecedented player compensation, and an electrifying game format that promises to captivate fans.
As the league prepares for its inaugural season in January 2025, here’s everything you need to know about Unrivaled, including teams, rosters, rules, contracts, and more.
What is Unrivaled?
Unrivaled is a professional 3-on-3 women’s basketball league created to provide WNBA players with a domestic alternative to playing overseas during the offseason. The league features six teams, each with six WNBA players, competing in a compressed full-court format.
The inaugural season kicks off on January 17, 2025, with all games played in Miami, offering fans a thrilling and fast-paced basketball experience in a one-hour broadcast window.
Unrivaled Teams and Rosters
The six teams debuting in the league are:
- Laces Basketball Club
- Lunar Owls Basketball Club
- Mist Basketball Club
- Phantom Basketball Club
- Rose Basketball Club
- Vinyl Basketball Club
Here’s a look at the 36 confirmed players for the inaugural season:
| Player | Position | WNBA Team |
|---|---|---|
| Shakira Austin | F/C | Washington Mystics |
| Aliyah Boston | F/C | Indiana Fever |
| Cameron Brink (Wildcard) | C | Los Angeles Sparks |
| Rae Burrell | G/F | Los Angeles Sparks |
| Jordin Canada | G | Atlanta Dream |
| DiJonai Carrington | G/F | Connecticut Sun |
| Natasha Cloud | G | Phoenix Mercury |
| Napheesa Collier | F | Minnesota Lynx |
| Kahleah Copper | G/F | Phoenix Mercury |
| Skylar Diggins-Smith | G | Seattle Storm |
| Stefanie Dolson | C | Washington Mystics |
| Aaliyah Edwards | F | Washington Mystics |
| Allisha Gray | G | Atlanta Dream |
| Chelsea Gray | G | Las Vegas Aces |
| Brittney Griner | C | Phoenix Mercury |
| Dearica Hamby | F | Los Angeles Sparks |
| Tiffany Hayes | F | Las Vegas Aces |
| Rhyne Howard | G | Atlanta Dream |
| Lexie Hull | G | Indiana Fever |
| Sabrina Ionescu (Wildcard) | G | New York Liberty |
| Rickea Jackson | F | Los Angeles Sparks |
| Jewell Loyd | G | Seattle Storm |
| Marina Mabrey | G | Connecticut Sun |
| Kate Martin | G | Las Vegas Aces |
| Kayla McBride | G | Minnesota Lynx |
| Arike Ogunbowale | G | Dallas Wings |
| Angel Reese | F | Chicago Sky |
| Satou Sabally | F | Dallas Wings |
| Katie Lou Samuelson | F | Indiana Fever |
| Azurá Stevens | F/C | Los Angeles Sparks |
| Breanna Stewart | F | New York Liberty |
| Brittney Sykes | G | Washington Mystics |
| Alyssa Thomas | F | Connecticut Sun |
| Courtney Vandersloot | G | New York Liberty |
| Courtney Williams | G | Minnesota Lynx |
| Jackie Young | G | Las Vegas Aces |
Notable absence: Caitlin Clark has opted out of the inaugural season but hasn’t ruled out participating in the future.
Game Format and Rules
Unrivaled Basketball introduces a unique 3-on-3 format, played on a 70-foot by 50-foot compressed full court. Each game is divided into four timed quarters, ensuring dynamic and fast-paced action.
The eight-week season includes a round-robin schedule for the six teams, followed by playoffs featuring the top four teams.
Key dates to remember:
- Jan. 17, 2025: Regular season begins
- Feb. 14, 2025: 1-on-1 Tournament
- March 16-17, 2025: Semifinals and Championship
Record-Breaking Contracts and Equity
Unrivaled is making headlines with its record-breaking player compensation. The average salary is reported to be around $250,000, with all contracts exceeding six figures. Additionally, each player will receive equity ownership in their respective teams, setting a new precedent in women’s professional sports.
Why Unrivaled Matters
Unrivaled Basketball is more than just a league—it’s a movement. With its innovative format, high-profile roster, and commitment to equitable pay, Unrivaled is poised to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans.
For updates, schedules, and tickets, visit the official Unrivaled Basketball website. Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making!
Credit: Gilbert McGregor – The Sporting News