New York Liberty center Breanna Stewart and Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier, former rivals in the 2024 WNBA Finals, have put aside their differences to create Unrivaled.
This three-on-three women's pro basketball league is set to debut Friday in South Florida.
The co-founders, Stewart and Collier, are holding a joint interview with TIME at Unrivaled's new 130,000 sq.-ft. facility near Miami. The rivalry between the Liberty and the Lynx reached its peak during a controversial Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, where New York claimed its first-ever championship.
Following the disputed call that granted New York the victory, tensions ran high. Nevertheless, with Unrivaled on the horizon, Stewart and Collier have joined forces to elevate women's basketball. The league, backed by $35 million in funding and notable sponsors, aims to capitalize on the growth of women's sports.
Unrivaled offers players a chance to earn substantial income during the WNBA offseason while staying in the U.S. The league's financial incentives, including salaries exceeding the WNBA regular max base salary, coupled with equity and revenue sharing, provide a lucrative opportunity for participants.
Collier's initial idea for Unrivaled emerged approximately two-and-a-half years ago, inspired by the need to showcase basketball skills in a more dynamic setting. The league's format, featuring 6 teams with 6 players each, promises fast-paced action on a full court. The Unrivaled season, running from January to March, will be broadcasted on TNT and Max.
Despite facing competition in the sports entertainment landscape, Unrivaled stands out with its star-studded roster, including top names like Stewart, Collier, and Sabrina Ionescu. The league's appeal, combined with its strategic timing and superior talent, positions it for success in the evolving sports market.
While some prominent players like A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark opted out of Unrivaled's inaugural season, the league has attracted a diverse group of investors, including acclaimed athletes and business figures. The overwhelming support mirrors the growing recognition of women's sports as a profitable investment opportunity.
As Unrivaled gears up for its highly anticipated debut, Stewart and Collier's collaboration symbolizes the potential for innovation and growth within women's basketball. The league's vision to empower female athletes economically and culturally exemplifies a milestone in the evolution of the sport.
Is this the UNRIVALLED LEAGUE’s future ?! WNBA News 🏀
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