In a groundbreaking development for women’s basketball, the highly anticipated Unrivaled Basketball League is set to make its debut this January, marking a historic shift in the landscape of professional women’s sports. Co-founded by WNBA powerhouses Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, this innovative 3×3 winter league promises to be a game-changer for athletes seeking domestic opportunities during the WNBA offseason.
Star-Studded Rosters Light Up Miami
The league revealed its impressive roster of 34 players split across six teams, with basketball luminaries such as Brittney Griner, Arike Ogunbowale, and Chelsea Gray leading the charge. Each team, carefully crafted through a unique draft system, features a mix of guards, wings, and post players, ensuring balanced and competitive gameplay.
The teams making their debut are:
- Vinyl: Led by coach Teresa Weatherspoon, featuring Arike Ogunbowale
- Rose: Helmed by Nola Henry, with Chelsea Gray at the helm
- Mist: Guided by Phil Handy, starring Breanna Stewart
- Lunar Owls: Under DJ Sackmann’s leadership, featuring Skylar Diggins-Smith
- Phantom: Coached by Adam Harrington, with Jackie Young
- Laces: Directed by Andrew Wade, showcasing Kelsey Plum
Breaking New Ground In Women’s Sports
Unrivaled isn’t just another basketball league – it’s revolutionizing the business of women’s sports. The league boasts:
- The highest average salary in women’s professional sports history
- Equity ownership for inaugural players
- A star-studded investor lineup including Alex Morgan, Carmelo Anthony, and Steve Nash
- A state-of-the-art 130,000-square-foot facility in Miami
- Comprehensive player support including childcare and nutrition services
The Caitlin Clark Factor
The basketball world is buzzing with speculation about Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year. Despite a reported $1 million offer to join the league, Clark’s participation remains uncertain. Two wild card roster spots remain open, leaving fans wondering if the record-breaking rookie will make an appearance.
Game-Changing Format
Unrivaled introduces an innovative playing style:
- Modified 3×3 format
- Four-quarter games
- 70-foot compressed full court
- Special one-on-one tournament with a $250,000 prize
Broadcast Partnership
Through a groundbreaking partnership with TNT Sports, fans can catch the action:
- Games air on TNT Monday and Friday nights
- Additional coverage on TruTV
- Streaming available on Max
- Season runs from January 17 to March 17
A New Era For Women’s Basketball
This league represents more than just basketball – it’s a solution to a long-standing challenge in women’s professional sports. Previously, WNBA players often had to choose between body preservation and income supplementation by playing overseas. Unrivaled offers a domestic alternative that keeps players fresh while maintaining their earning potential.
The inaugural season kicks off on January 17 with a compelling matchup between Collier’s Lunar Owls and Stewart’s Mist Basketball Club. With its player-first approach, innovative format, and commitment to growing the game, Unrivaled is poised to transform the landscape of women’s professional basketball.
As the league prepares for its historic debut, all eyes remain on those two wild card spots and the potential addition of more star power to an already impressive roster of talent. Whether Caitlin Clark joins or not, Unrivaled has already succeeded in creating unprecedented opportunities for women athletes and setting new standards for professional sports leagues.
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