Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women’s professional basketball league, is set to launch on Friday, marking a significant moment for women’s sports in the United States. Co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the league has secured partnerships with twelve sponsors and raised $35 million in funding. Collier expressed optimism about the league’s potential and the opportunities it presents for women’s sports.
The games will be broadcast on TNT Sports platforms as part of a multiyear media rights agreement. Lee Berke, president and CEO of LHB Sports, Entertainment & Media, emphasized the importance of TV ratings, not only in terms of viewership numbers but also in demographics. The league aims to attract a diverse audience and grow its viewership throughout the season.
Unrivaled’s inaugural season will feature six teams competing over two months, culminating in a four-team playoff tournament with the championship scheduled for March 17. The league offers a unique 3-on-3 format on a smaller court compared to the WNBA. Games will be aired on TNT and TruTV, with streaming available on WBD’s Max platform.
All matches will take place at the Mediapro US venue in Medley, Florida, during the WNBA offseason, providing an alternative for players who typically compete overseas. Unrivaled offers players higher salaries than the WNBA, with a total salary pool exceeding $8 million for the season. Additionally, players will receive equity and revenue shares from the league.
The league boasts 36 participants, all of whom played in the WNBA last year, including several All-Stars like Collier, Stewart, and Alyssa Thomas. Notable players such as Sabrina Ionescu, Brittney Griner, and Angel Reese are also part of the league. Unrivaled has attracted significant investment from high-profile figures like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Carmelo Anthony, Alex Morgan, and Michael Phelps.
Corporate partners like Sephora, State Farm, Wilson, and Samsung have signed sponsorship deals with Unrivaled, reflecting the growing interest in women’s sports. The league’s debut coincides with increased national attention on women’s basketball, with the WNBA experiencing a surge in viewership and attendance. The league’s success is expected to have a positive impact on the business of women’s basketball and could influence future collective bargaining agreements.
