The rosters for the second season of Unrivaled have been finalized as the league prepares for the 2026 season, which kicks off on January 5. After a successful debut in 2025 featuring six teams, Unrivaled has expanded to eight clubs for this upcoming season, introducing more than 20 new players to the mix. With nearly 30 players now signed to multi-year contracts through 2027, the league is showing promising growth.
The recent draft conducted on Wednesday saw substantial restructuring of the teams as the league made adjustments to its player pool. Prior to the draft, the available 48 players were organized into six groups, requiring each club to pick one player from each group. Teams that made the playoffs in 2025 could retain two players, while those that did not retain one. Notably, protected players this season include key stars such as Napheesa Collier and Skylar Diggins from the Lunar Owls, and Breanna Stewart from the Mist.
The new teams, Breeze and Hive, received first and second picks in the draft, respectively. Heading Breeze is Paige Bueckers, the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year, under the guidance of former Seattle Storm coach Noelle Quinn. The Hive will be led by Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, who made a strong impression last season, alongside head coach Rena Wakama. Breeze stands out as the youngest team, with multiple players in their early professional careers, while Hive boasts a nearly entirely rookie lineup.
Defending champions Rose will maintain continuity with four returning players under head coach Nola Henry, as they aim to defend their title. However, they will miss the contributions of Angel Reese, who is not participating this season, and Brittney Sykes, who has joined the Laces.
The full rosters for each team highlight the depth of talent in the league, and for the 2026 season there will also be a developmental pool of six players available to step in during injuries or other absences.
With a fresh mix of returning and new talent, the upcoming season of Unrivaled promises excitement and competition as teams come together to showcase their skills and chase the championship title. The anticipated influx of talent bodes well for the league’s future as it continues to evolve and capture the attention of fans.