What is Unrivaled in basketball?

Women's basketball is in a phenomenal growth phase, capturing unprecedented attention and investment. At the forefront of this exciting evolution is Unrivaled, a revolutionary new 3-on-3 basketball league that launched in Miami. Far more than just an offseason competition, Unrivaled is shaking up the professional landscape by putting players first, offering a unique blend of high-level competition and financial empowerment.

But what exactly is Unrivaled, and how is it changing the game for WNBA stars? Let's dive into everything you need to know about this groundbreaking league.

UNRIVALED: A PLAYER-CENTRIC REVOLUTION

For decades, many WNBA players have faced a common challenge: supplementing their income and maintaining elite-level competition during the offseason often meant playing overseas. This reality often involved long periods away from home and family, and more recently, navigating the WNBA's "Prioritization Rule," which could impact their WNBA season if they missed training camp due to overseas commitments.

 

 

 

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Enter unrivaled. Co-founded by WNBA superstars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled was born from a vision to create a domestic alternative. As Luke Cooper, Unrivaled's president of basketball operations, puts it, "Everything was built for the players. The business was built for the players, the facility was built for the players, and the actual game -- the 3-on-3 full court is rooted in how you would play basketball as a kid."

The league brings together 36 of the top WNBA players for an intense eight-week season, running from January 17 to March 17, all within a custom-built facility in Miami. This centralized location minimizes travel and maximizes player comfort and recovery.

WHAT MAKES UNRIVALED DIFFERENT?

While other domestic leagues exist, such as Athletes Unlimited (a 5-on-5 league with WNBA experience players), Unrivaled aims to distinguish itself through several key aspects:

• Player-First Philosophy: Unrivaled's core ethos is to prioritize the athletes. "It was built by basketball people for basketball players," emphasizes Cooper. This focus extends to everything from the game format to the amenities provided.
• Unique 3-on-3 Full-Court Play: Unlike traditional 3x3 basketball played on a half-court, Unrivaled uses a compressed full court (70x49.2 feet compared to a standard 94-foot court). This encourages a fast-paced, high-scoring, "playground style" of basketball. Rules like an 18-second shot clock and a "winning score" in the fourth quarter (adding 11 points to the leading team's score after three quarters) further accelerate play.
• Unprecedented Compensation: This is where Unrivaled truly sets itself apart. The league aims to be the first to genuinely compete with the WNBA financially.
• Equity for Players: Beyond salaries, every player participating in Unrivaled's inaugural season receives equity in the league, vesting over a four-year period. This innovative approach makes players stakeholders in the league's long-term success.
• Elite Amenities and Resources: The Miami facility includes state-of-the-art features like a weight room, physician's room, sauna, recovery areas, and even a "glam room" by Sephora, all designed to enhance the player experience.

THE UNRIVALED SALARY ADVANTAGE

One of Unrivaled's most significant selling points from its inception was its commitment to revolutionary player salaries. With over 35 million dollars in funding from a star-studded list of investors including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Phelps, Coco Gauff, Dawn Staley, and JuJu Watkins, the league has the financial muscle to deliver on its promise.

While the average WNBA salary in 2024 was around 119,500 dollars (with a high around 242,000 dollars), Unrivaled boasts a total salary pool of 8 million dollars for its 36 players. This translates to an average salary of approximately 222,222 dollars per player, making it the highest average salary in professional women's team sports. This figure is particularly impactful given the shorter, eight-week season.

Beyond the base salary, players also have opportunities for additional earnings, such as winning the mid-season 1-on-1 tournament (250,000 dollars prize for the winner) and championship bonuses.

THE FUTURE OF WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Unrivaled represents a pivotal moment for women's basketball. By offering top-tier players a compelling domestic option with competitive salaries and a player-first environment, it not only enhances their professional careers but also provides fans with another exciting, high-quality product during the WNBA offseason. This innovative approach is a clear sign of the growing momentum and investment in women's sports, setting a new standard for athlete empowerment and professional league development.