Unrivaled, the new 3v3 league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is scheduled to kick off on January 17th. Some of the biggest WNBA stars are set to join the league rosters, including Olympic champion and Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner. Griner has praised the project for its significance to women’s basketball.
In a statement to ESPN, Griner expressed her excitement for what Unrivaled brings to the table. She highlighted the fresh perspective and unity it fosters among players. Griner commended Unrivaled for its dedication and resourcefulness in creating a high-quality product in a short amount of time. She believes that the league’s innovative approach will drive growth in viewership and partnerships for the WNBA.
As the WNBA gears up for negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement, the launch of Unrivaled adds pressure on the league to elevate its performance and offerings. The WNBA is coming off a historic season with record-breaking viewership and attendance, fueled by the emergence of young stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
With a recent lucrative TV deal and plans for larger arenas in the pipeline, the WNBA is poised for growth. However, players like Griner are hopeful that the league’s expansion will translate into improved salaries and benefits for the athletes.
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Unrivaled: Will WNBA star Cameron Brink play for the inaugural season of the 3v3 league?
Unrivaled promises a new era of women’s sports
Created by Stewart and Collier, Unrivaled offers WNBA players the opportunity to earn a six-figure salary within a few months without overseas commitments during the offseason. Players are expected to receive around $250,000 in addition to equity stakes in the league.
Unrivaled has garnered support from WNBA players and prominent figures in sports, including tennis sensation Coco Gauff, who recently announced her investment in the league.
