Unrivaled Basketball is set to revolutionize women's professional sports in the United States. Cofounded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the league aims to bring 3 on 3 professional women's basketball to the U.S. With major backing from some of the sport’s biggest names, Unrivaled is also setting new standards for player compensation. The league will provide a domestic alternative for WNBA players who typically play overseas during the winter months.
As Unrivaled prepares for its inaugural season, we take a closer look at what to expect, including the league's structure, rosters, rules, and more.
What is Unrivaled?
Unrivaled is a professional 3on3 women’s basketball league founded by WNBA superstars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. The league was created to provide a highlevel, domestic alternative to playing overseas during the winter. All games will be played in Miami, with the inaugural season set to begin on January 17, 2025.
The league will feature six teams, each with six players, all of whom will be active WNBA players. In addition to its competitive edge, the league will offer some of the highest player salaries in the history of women's sports.
Teams in the Unrivaled League
The first season of Unrivaled will showcase six exciting teams, each with its unique identity. These are the clubs competing in the 2025 season: Laces Basketball Club, Lunar Owls Basketball Club, Mist Basketball Club, Phantom Basketball Club, Rose Basketball Club, and Vinyl Basketball Club.
Confirmed Unrivaled Roster
While the official draft for the 2025 season has not yet taken place, 34 players have been confirmed for the inaugural campaign. Some of the WNBA stars taking part in the season include Shakira Austin, a forward/center for the Washington Mystics; Aliyah Boston, a forward/center for the Indiana Fever; DiJonai Carrington, a guard/forward for the Connecticut Sun; Natasha Cloud, a guard for the Phoenix Mercury; Napheesa Collier, a forward for the Minnesota Lynx; and Kahleah Copper, a guard/forward for the Phoenix Mercury. Other confirmed players include Skylar DigginsSmith (Seattle Storm), Stefanie Dolson (Washington Mystics), and Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury).
Note: As of November 28, 2024, Kelsey Plum has announced she will no longer participate in Unrivaled.
Unrivaled League Rules
Unrivaled will bring a fresh take on basketball with a 3on3 format played on a compressed court that measures 70 feet by 50 feet. The games will be fastpaced and played in a onehour broadcast window, divided into four timed quarters. Both a game clock and a shot clock will be used to keep the action moving.
The season will last for eight weeks, including the playoffs. All six teams will participate in a roundrobin format during the regular season, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs.
Player Compensation in Unrivaled
Unrivaled is setting a new benchmark for player compensation in women's sports. While exact salary figures have not been made public, it is expected that the average salary for players will hover around $250,000, with all players earning at least six figures. Additionally, every player will receive equity ownership in their team, which adds an exciting financial dimension to the league.
Key Dates for Unrivaled 2025
November 20, 2024: Basketball Club Selection
January 17, 2025: Regular season begins in Miami
February 14, 2025: 1on1 Tournament
March 10, 2025: Regular season ends
March 16, 2025: Semifinals
March 17, 2025: Championship
ADVERTISEMENT