The Unrivaled Basketball League, which launched earlier this month, unveiled the game ball for its inaugural season starting on Jan. 17 in Miami, Florida. In partnership with Wilson Sporting Goods Co., the 3-on-3 league aims to support women’s basketball with a shared vision.
The Wilson EVO NXT basketball will be used exclusively for all Unrivaled games during the three-month season, ending on March 17, including the playoffs. This ball is designed to showcase the players’ unique skills in a competitive and innovative league.
WNBA vs. Unrivaled league ball: Dimensions, weight, and more
The Wilson EVO NXT basketball in the Unrivaled league shares the same size as a standard basketball, with a circumference of 29.5 inches and a diameter of 9.43-9.51 inches, slightly larger than the WNBA ball, which has a circumference of 28.5 inches and weighs 20 ounces.
With its signature blue color and official logo, the Unrivaled ball features Extended Range Technology, enhanced grip, soft touch, moisture-wicking surface, laid-in channels, and a micro-touch cover for a double-layered grip and an authentic feel.
Contrastingly, WNBA basketballs are orange and white, designed to differentiate them from NBA balls and enhance player shots. They also utilize Wilson’s Extended Range Tech technology for enhanced grip, a soft feel, moisture-wicking surface, and a dual-layer grip.
Unrivaled Basketball League a viable alternative
Co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, the Unrivaled Basketball League offers a unique platform for professional women players to compete and earn a significant income without going overseas during the WNBA offseason.
The league aims to address the sacrifices women players often make by targeting an average player salary of $222,222 for its inaugural season, exceeding the regular max contract value of $214,466 for the 2025 WNBA season. Six teams comprising Laces Basketball Club, Mist Basketball Club, Lunar Owls, Phantom Basketball Club, Rose Basketball Club, and Vinyl Basketball will compete.
Notable WNBA players participating in the league include Stewart, Collier, McBride, Thomas, Loyd, Gray, Young, Sabally, Reese, Boston, and Hamby. All games will be broadcast on Warner Bros Discovery’s TNT Sports under a multiyear media rights deal.
Edited by Bhargav
