Unrivaled's Inaugural Season: A Game-Changer in Women's Basketball
The launch of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women's basketball league co-founded by WNBA stars, offers new opportunities for athletes with higher salaries, equity stakes, and significant viewership, while complementing the WNBA's structure and enhancing player empowerment in women's sports.
In 2025, the launch of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women's professional basketball league co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, marked a significant shift in the landscape of women's sports. Operating during the WNBA offseason, Unrivaled not only provided athletes with additional playing opportunities but also introduced a new model for player compensation and league structure.
Innovative Format and Competitive Play
Unrivaled's format featured six teams, each comprising six players, competing in a fast-paced 3-on-3 full-court setting. The inaugural season, held in Miami, spanned two months and included a 14-game regular season followed by playoffs. The Lunar Owls, led by MVP Napheesa Collier, dominated the season with a 13-1 record, showcasing the high level of competition and talent within the league.
Redefining Player Compensation
Unrivaled set a new standard for player earnings in women's basketball. With an average salary of approximately $222,000 per player, the league surpassed the WNBA's maximum base salary of $214,466 for the 2025 season. Additionally, Unrivaled offered players equity stakes and revenue-sharing opportunities, emphasizing a commitment to financial empowerment and long-term investment in athletes' careers.
Record-Breaking Viewership and Media Impact
The league's debut garnered significant attention, with coverage reaching over 11.9 million viewers across TNT and truTV. Unrivaled's games became the most-watched women's basketball broadcasts on these networks, indicating a strong market interest and the potential for continued growth in women's sports viewership.
Attracting Top Talent
Unrivaled successfully attracted high-profile players, including Angel Reese, Sabrina Ionescu, and Brittney Griner. Notably, Paige Bueckers signed a three-year contract with the league, earning over $330,000 for a 10-week season—surpassing the total value of a four-year WNBA rookie contract.
Complementing the WNBA
Rather than competing with the WNBA, Unrivaled operates as a complementary platform, providing players with additional opportunities for development, exposure, and income during the offseason. This dual-league approach allows athletes to maximize their careers both on and off the court.
Unrivaled's successful inaugural season has not only redefined possibilities within women's basketball but also set a precedent for innovation in professional sports. As the league looks to the future, its impact on player empowerment, compensation, and the broader sports ecosystem is poised to grow even further.
