Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League Debut

Unrivaled 3-on-3 Women’s Basketball League

Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women’s professional basketball league, launches Friday, presenting both a major test and opportunity for women’s sports to boost its growing profile in the United States.

How the League Works

Unrivaled’s first season will feature six teams playing against one another for two months. The season culminates in a four-team playoff tournament, with the championship taking place on March 17. There is also a 1-on-1 player tournament set for the middle of the season. Games are played in a 3-on-3 format and take place on a smaller court compared to WNBA courts. They last one hour and are broadcast on TNT on Fridays and Mondays and on TruTV on Saturdays. Games are also available to stream on WBD’s Max.

How Players are Paid

Unrivaled will also pay many players a higher salary than the WNBA does. The total salary pool is over $8 million, with players receiving equity and revenue shares from the league. At a press conference, Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell said the league doesn’t have a minimum or maximum salary, but that pay is partly based on what competitors and other women’s sports leagues pay.

Who’s Involved

The league has 36 participants for its first season, all of whom played in the WNBA last year. There are 15 2024 WNBA All Stars on the rosters, headlined by All-WNBA first-team honorees Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Alyssa Thomas. Other notable players include Sabrina Ionescu, Brittney Griner, and Angel Reese.

Why it Matters

Unrivaled’s debut comes amid a spike in national interest in women’s sports — particularly basketball. The WNBA in particular enjoyed a surge, as former college stars Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, and Reese led an attention-grabbing rookie class. The league said it broke an all-time record with over 54 million unique viewers during the season and saw its best in-person attendance numbers in 22 years.

Conclusion

Unrivaled’s launch marks a significant moment for women’s sports, with the league poised to make a major impact on the business of women’s basketball. With a strong lineup of players, a robust media rights deal, and a growing list of corporate partners, Unrivaled is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing interest in women’s sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Unrivaled?
A: Unrivaled is a new 3-on-3 women’s professional basketball league.

Q: When does the league launch?
A: Unrivaled launches on Friday.

Q: How many teams will participate in the league’s first season?
A: Six teams will participate in the league’s first season.

Q: How are players paid?
A: Players will receive a higher salary than the WNBA does, with a total salary pool of over $8 million.

Q: Who is involved in the league?
A: The league has 36 participants for its first season, all of whom played in the WNBA last year.