In a significant lineup change for the upcoming season of Unrivaled, notable players such as Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, Sky forward Angel Reese, and Dream center Brittney Griner will not be returning. The 3-on-3 basketball league, co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, recently announced the addition of Storm center Dominique Malonga, Sky guard Rebecca Allen, and Fever guard Aari McDonald to fill the final three roster spots.
Malonga’s addition comes shortly after a controversial termination of her contract with Fenerbahce, a professional women’s basketball team in Turkey, where she allegedly ended her agreement without just cause. This decision prompted Fenerbahce to threaten legal action for compensation related to damages incurred from the contract termination. Currently, it remains uncertain how this situation might affect Malonga’s availability for the 2026 WNBA season, as clearance from the Turkish federation will be necessary for her return to the league. However, reports indicate that this clearance is not a requirement for her participation in Unrivaled.
Unrivaled also announced last month its expansion to an eight-club league, introducing 12 new roster spots for the upcoming season. Only two players from the 2025 Liberty, Stewart and Natasha Cloud, will be participating in the new season, suggesting a notable shift in the team dynamics.
As the Liberty prepares for the changes, Nyara Sabally has expressed plans to spend her offseason in Miami alongside her sister, Satou, who is also taking part in Unrivaled. The Liberty’s coaching presence in Miami will include director of player development Andrew Wade and new assistant coach Zach O’Brien, who will make his debut in the league in January.
The excitement surrounding Unrivaled continues to build, with the upcoming season set to commence on January 5. These roster changes open up new opportunities for players and the league as it evolves and expands its reach in women’s basketball.