AFCON 2025
Unrivaled Basketball is about to change the landscape of the women’s game, and if you love the WNBA or basketball in general, consider this a game-changer.
Before we get into what Unrivaled Basketball really is, we need to expand on the evolution of 3-on-3 basketball, and why it is so exciting and captivating.
Unrivaled Basketball: The rise of 3-on-3 games
Basketball has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, and one of the most exciting developments is the rise of 3-on-3 basketball. This fast-paced, high-scoring game has been gaining popularity worldwide, and it’s easy to see why.
The origins of 3-on-3 basketball date back to the 1950s and 60s, when outdoor courts in urban areas would host informal pickup games.
However, it wasn’t until the 2010s that 3-on-3 basketball gained mainstream recognition. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) officially recognized 3-on-3 as a discipline in 2012, and it made its Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
So, what makes 3-on-3 basketball so exciting? For starters, the smaller team size and half-court setup create a more intense, end-to-end style of play.
The pace is faster, the scoring is higher, and the action is non-stop. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard hoops enthusiast, 3-on-3 basketball is an electrifying experience that’s hard to resist.
Unrivaled Basketball: Introduction to the exciting 3-on-3 league
Imagine a professional women’s basketball league that offers a new level of competition, financial rewards, and an electrifying game format that will leave fans on the edge of their seats.
Welcome to Unrivaled Basketball, a revolutionary 3-on-3 league founded by WNBA superstars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
The founders are two of the most dominant forces in women’s basketball. Collier is a WNBA forward who plays for the Minnesota Lynx. She was the 2019 WNBA Rookie of the Year and has been a WNBA All-Star.
Breanna Stewart is a WNBA forward who plays for the Seattle Storm, is also a two-time WNBA champion, two-time WNBA Finals MVP, and has been a WNBA All-Star multiple times.
Both players are known for their impressive skills, leadership, and dedication to growing the women’s game.
What is the purpose of Unrivaled Basketball?
Unrivaled Basketball is designed to provide WNBA players with a domestic alternative to playing overseas during the offseason.
The league offers a unique opportunity for these talented athletes to compete against each other in a fun and fast-paced format, while also providing a platform for them to showcase their skills and connect with fans.
League Format
The opening season of Unrivaled Basketball will feature six teams, each consisting of six WNBA players.
The teams will compete in a compressed full-court format, with all games played in Miami. The season kicks off on January 17, 2025, and will be broadcast in a thrilling one-hour window.
So, how will the games work? Here are the details:
Court Size: The court will be slightly smaller than a traditional WNBA court, measuring 70 ft (21 m) × 50 ft (15 m).
Game Length: Each game will consist of four, seven-minute quarters.Full-Court Action: Unlike traditional 3-on-3 games, which are played on a half-court, the games will be played on a full court with two ends.
These rules are designed to create a fast-paced and exciting game format that will keep fans engaged and entertained.
What to Expect from Unrivaled Basketball?
At Unrivaled Basketball, the idea is to deliver a world-class basketball experience that will leave fans cheering for more.
With the talented roster of WNBA players, electrifying game format, and commitment to innovation and excellence, this league has the potential to become a must-watch destination for basketball fans around the world.
Unrivaled Basketball: Meet the teams and players
The inaugural season of Unrivaled Basketball features six teams, each with a talented roster of WNBA players. Here are the teams and players you’ll be seeing on the court:
1. Laces Basketball Club
2. Lunar Owls Basketball Club
3. Mist Basketball Club
4. Phantom Basketball Club
5. Rose Basketball Club
6. Vinyl Basketball Club
Player Roster
Here are the 36 confirmed players for the inaugural season:
1. Shakira Austin (F/C) – Washington Mystics
2. Aliyah Boston (F/C) – Indiana Fever
3. Cameron Brink (C) – Los Angeles Sparks (Wildcard)
4. Rae Burrell (G/F) – Los Angeles Sparks
5. Jordin Canada (G) – Atlanta Dream
6. DiJonai Carrington (G/F) – Connecticut Sun
7. Natasha Cloud (G) – Phoenix Mercury
8. Napheesa Collier (F) – Minnesota Lynx
9. Kahleah Copper (G/F) – Phoenix Mercury
10. Skylar Diggins-Smith (G) – Seattle Storm
11. Stefanie Dolson (C) – Washington Mystics
12. Aaliyah Edwards (F) – Washington Mystics
13. Allisha Gray (G) – Atlanta Dream
14. Chelsea Gray (G) – Las Vegas Aces
15. Brittney Griner (C) – Phoenix Mercury
16. Dearica Hamby (F) – Los Angeles Sparks
17. Tiffany Hayes (F) – Las Vegas Aces
18. Rhyne Howard (G) – Atlanta Dream
19. Lexie Hull (G) – Indiana Fever
20. Sabrina Ionescu (G) – New York Liberty (Wildcard)
21. Rickea Jackson (F) – Los Angeles Sparks
22. Jewell Loyd (G) – Seattle Storm
23. Marina Mabrey (G) – Connecticut Sun
24. Kate Martin (G) – Las Vegas Aces
25. Kayla McBride (G) – Minnesota Lynx
26. Arike Ogunbowale (G) – Dallas Wings
27. Angel Reese (F) – Chicago Sky
28. Satou Sabally (F) – Dallas Wings
29. Katie Lou Samuelson (F) – Indiana Fever
30. Azurá Stevens (F/C) – Los Angeles Sparks
31. Breanna Stewart (F) – New York Liberty
32. Brittney Sykes (G) – Washington Mystics
33. Alyssa Thomas (F) – Connecticut Sun
34. Courtney Vandersloot (G) – New York Liberty
35. Courtney Williams (G) – Minnesota Lynx
36. Jackie Young (G) – Las Vegas Aces
How much will each player make?
While the love of basketball is what motivates from a young age, professional sports comes with financial benefits and the Unrivaled Basketball League aims to make women’s basketball a richly rewarding experience, both on and off the court.
The league is committed to providing players with more than just a platform to showcase their skills – it’s dedicated to making their passion a lucrative career.
The Unrivaled Basketball League is making history with its record-breaking player compensation. Each player can expect to earn a minimum of $100,000, with the average salary reported to be around $250,000.
More importantly, every contract will exceed six figures, ensuring that players are fairly compensated for their hard work and dedication.
However, what truly makes this league stand out is that each player will also receive equity ownership in their respective teams.
This unprecedented move sets a new precedent in women’s professional sports, empowering players to take ownership of their careers and reap the rewards of their success.
Why Unrivaled Basketball is the next big thing
Unrivaled Basketball is on a mission to take the women’s game to the next level. With the WNBA gaining momentum thanks to stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, Unrivaled Basketball offers a fresh and exciting platform to showcase the talents of these amazing athletes.
By combining a new and innovative format with a commitment to excellence, Unrivaled Basketball is set to shake things up and bring a new level of excitement to the women’s game.
The league’s focus on highlighting the skills and athleticism of its players will undoubtedly thrill fans and inspire a new generation of young players.
What’s more, the league will break new ground by giving players a real stake in the long-term success. With financial incentives and ownership opportunities, players will be rewarded for their hard work and dedication.
As the women’s game continues to grow and evolve, Unrivaled Basketball is leading the way and taking the sport to new heights.
