Skylar Diggins-Smith etched her name in history with the first game-winning shot in Unrivaled’s inaugural game, sparking a frenzy as teammates and coaches rushed across the court to celebrate.
Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, aims to revolutionize women’s sports with innovative gameplay and enhanced player benefits. The league's unique target score rule ensures every game ends with a thrilling winner.
A Thrilling Opener with High Stakes
In Friday’s opener, Diggins-Smith nailed two late three-pointers to secure an 84-80 victory for the Lunar Owls over the Mist. “That’s the thing about this game, you can come back at any time,” said Diggins-Smith. Collier added, “It’s so entertaining. Like every game feels crucial, high stakes, because you're gonna have a game-winner every single game.”
Fast-Paced Action and the Elam Ending
Unrivaled’s gameplay features a fast-paced format on a 70-foot court. Teams compete to a target score, 11 points higher than the leading team’s total before the fourth quarter, creating decisive finishes. The opener saw nearly 100 field-goal attempts in one game and 89 in the other.
Star-Studded Audience and Competitive Spirit
Steve Nash and Alex Morgan were among the 850 fans at Wayfair Arena, a converted production warehouse near Miami International Airport. Collier’s 27 points and 11 rebounds led the Lunar Owls, while Rhyne Howard powered the Vinyl to a 79-73 win over the Rose in the second game.
“The competitive fire is in the gym,” said Chelsea Gray of the Rose. “Everybody feels it, from the people playing to the fans.”
Challenges Ahead in a Busy Sports Calendar
Unrivaled faces stiff competition for viewership during its nine-week season, including NFL playoffs, the Super Bowl, and March Madness. On Saturday, Sabrina Ionescu and Brittney Griner will take the court, while Patrick Mahomes leads the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL postseason.
“We aren’t expecting WNBA viewership numbers,” said Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell. “What we’re trying to do is get better week to week, focus on the athletes, and put out a great product.”
A Promising Start for the Aspiring League
Friday’s opener showcased the league’s potential. Stewart scored the first points and assist in Unrivaled history, while Jewell Loyd dropped 30 points for the Mist. Fans enthusiastically bought team merchandise, and Diggins-Smith’s game-winner garnered over 350,000 views on social media.
Innovative Leadership and a Unique Atmosphere
Unrivaled commissioner Micky Lawler, former WTA president, likened the league’s launch to Christopher Columbus discovering new shores, saying, “Our game looks and feels differently, but it’s nevertheless a very important game.”
With players, coaches, and staff living in close quarters in Doral, tensions flared after the heated opener. “I don't like it. I thought I was going to be OK. I’m not OK,” Gray said after her team’s loss.
Building Momentum for the Future
Unrivaled plans to capitalize on the quieter period between the Super Bowl and March Madness. With a fresh format, high-stakes games, and a focus on player equity, the league is poised to carve out its space in women’s sports.