Unrivaled Basketball: WNBA's new 3-on-3 league

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The landscape of women’s professional sports in the United States is about to change with the launch of Unrivaled Basketball, a groundbreaking 3-on-3 professional women’s basketball league. Founded by WNBA superstars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, this league is set to deliver a new level of competition, unprecedented player compensation, and an electrifying game format that promises to captivate fans.

As the league prepares for its inaugural season in January 2025, here’s everything you need to know about Unrivaled, including teams, rosters, rules, contracts, and more.

What is Unrivaled?Unrivaled is a professional 3-on-3 women’s basketball league created to provide WNBA players with a domestic alternative to playing overseas during the offseason. The league features six teams, each with six WNBA players, competing in a compressed full-court format.

The inaugural season kicks off on January 17, 2025, with all games played in Miami, offering fans a thrilling and fast-paced basketball experience in a one-hour broadcast window.

Unrivaled Teams and RostersThe six teams debuting in the league are:

Laces Basketball Club

Lunar Owls Basketball Club

Mist Basketball Club

Phantom Basketball Club

Rose Basketball Club

Vinyl Basketball Club

Here’s a look at the 36 confirmed players for the inaugural season:

PlayerPositionWNBA TeamShakira AustinF/CWashington MysticsAliyah BostonF/CIndiana FeverCameron Brink (Wildcard)CLos Angeles SparksRae BurrellG/FLos Angeles SparksJordin CanadaGAtlanta DreamDiJonai CarringtonG/FConnecticut SunNatasha CloudGPhoenix MercuryNapheesa CollierFMinnesota LynxKahleah CopperG/FPhoenix MercurySkylar Diggins-SmithGSeattle StormStefanie DolsonCWashington MysticsAaliyah EdwardsFWashington MysticsAllisha GrayGAtlanta DreamChelsea GrayGLas Vegas AcesBrittney GrinerCPhoenix MercuryDearica HambyFLos Angeles SparksTiffany HayesFLas Vegas AcesRhyne HowardGAtlanta DreamLexie HullGIndiana FeverSabrina Ionescu (Wildcard)GNew York LibertyRickea JacksonFLos Angeles SparksJewell LoydGSeattle StormMarina MabreyGConnecticut SunKate MartinGLas Vegas AcesKayla McBrideGMinnesota LynxArike OgunbowaleGDallas WingsAngel ReeseFChicago SkySatou SaballyFDallas WingsKatie Lou SamuelsonFIndiana FeverAzurá StevensF/CLos Angeles SparksBreanna StewartFNew York LibertyBrittney SykesGWashington MysticsAlyssa ThomasFConnecticut SunCourtney VanderslootGNew York LibertyCourtney WilliamsGMinnesota LynxJackie YoungGLas Vegas Aces

Notable absence: Caitlin Clark has opted out of the inaugural season but hasn’t ruled out participating in the future.

Game Format and RulesUnrivaled Basketball introduces a unique 3-on-3 format, played on a 70-foot by 50-foot compressed full court. Each game is divided into four timed quarters, ensuring dynamic and fast-paced action.

The eight-week season includes a round-robin schedule for the six teams, followed by playoffs featuring the top four teams.

Key dates to remember:

Jan. 17, 2025: Regular season begins

Feb. 14, 2025: 1-on-1 Tournament

March 16-17, 2025: Semifinals and Championship

Record-Breaking Contracts and EquityUnrivaled is making headlines with its record-breaking player compensation. The average salary is reported to be around $250,000, with all contracts exceeding six figures. Additionally, each player will receive equity ownership in their respective teams, setting a new precedent in women’s professional sports.

Why Unrivaled MattersUnrivaled Basketball is more than just a league—it’s a movement. With its innovative format, high-profile roster, and commitment to equitable pay, Unrivaled is poised to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans.

For updates, schedules, and tickets, visit the official Unrivaled Basketball website. Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making!

Credit: Gilbert McGregor – The Sporting News