Unrivaled, the basketball league co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, is entering its second season with unique offerings for players and fans alike. Launched in 2023, this offseason league allows WNBA players to engage in 3×3 games, providing them with competitive salaries and equity while they remain in the U.S. during the winter months—a period when many athletes typically seek opportunities to play overseas.
As the league is still in its early stages, its significance and role among professional women’s basketball leagues remain somewhat ambiguous. The 3×3 format is considerably different from traditional WNBA play, leading to skepticism regarding its value as a developmental tool for players. Despite the mixed performance of established players in Unrivaled and subsequent success in the WNBA, such as Aliyah Boston and Satou Sabally, the tournament offers a platform for players to stay fit and generate income.
During last season’s games in Miami, a lively atmosphere captivated onlookers, making the experience enjoyable for media members and fans alike. However, questions linger about the league’s competitive legitimacy, as it appears some players have differing levels of commitment to the league, notably evident in Collier’s team, the Lunar Owls, which exhibited intense training sessions.
There are murmurs about Unrivaled’s ambitions regarding the WNBA, but according to Collier, the league’s aim isn’t to usurp the established league, but rather to coexist and enhance the overall treatment and valuation of women’s basketball players. She expressed a desire for an environment where all parties can thrive, hinting that the success of Unrivaled might actually help drive up WNBA salaries.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has acknowledged Unrivaled’s role as a complementary league rather than a direct competitor. Though she expressed a hint of annoyance at inquiries about the newer league, she remains proud of the co-founders and emphasizes that the WNBA has its significant influence with a robust player base and fan attendance.
Unrivaled provides a refreshing twist to the women’s basketball scene, reminiscent of entertaining unconventional combinations, akin to the unexpected friendships showcased on shows like National Geographic’s Unlikely Animal Friends. The league features teams like the Breeze BC, comprised of rising stars such as Paige Bueckers and Cameron Brink, highlighting an explosive, youthful collection of talent showcasing their skills together, unlike anything seen in traditional league formats due to player contracts and positional overlaps.
As Unrivaled navigates its second season, it stands as both an experiment and an opportunity, potentially setting the stage for new dynamics in women’s basketball. With the excitement of unconventional team assemblies and young talent colliding in the playful environment that Unrivaled offers, fans and players alike may find it an appealing addition to the narrative of women’s sports. The hope is that it will thrive alongside the WNBA, enriching the landscape of women’s basketball for years to come.