Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, tipped off its inaugural season on Friday in Miami.
Unrivaled averaged 312,000 viewers for the league's debut on TNT/truTV on Friday night.
Same night on TNT last year, an airing of "Terminator: Dark Fate" averaged 343,000 viewershttps://t.co/YWtLzxHJkY
— Austin Karp (@AustinKarp) January 22, 2025
The league was founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart to provide a domestic opportunity for top players to compete during the offseason. The league has surpassed $35 million in funding from investors such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Phelps, and Coco Gauff.
Unrivaled’s average salary is around $222,222, higher than the WNBA’s, and players also receive equity in the league. The inaugural season features 36 of the top WNBA players, including seven No. 1 draft picks and 17 former Olympians.
It’s time for a new #Lynx Offseason Update at @canishoopus!
This week’s update includes the results from opening weekend of Unrivaled along with some impressive performances by players overseas. https://t.co/sdHLwyhoTr
— Mitchell Hansen (@M_Hansen13) January 20, 2025
ICYMI @mgfleming12 covered every inch of Unrivaled's debut:
Unrivaled Is Built for Its Mom Athleteshttps://t.co/99MPHDfD3K
Inside Unrivaled’s Explosive Opening Nighthttps://t.co/3AzR7EagJz
Unrivaled’s Impeccable Timing Pressures WNBAhttps://t.co/sQf2Aiehye
— Daniel Roberts (@readDanwrite) January 20, 2025
Notable participants include Sabrina Ionescu and Jackie Young, with UConn senior Paige Bueckers expected to join in future seasons through an NIL deal.
Debut season tips off
The season will last eight weeks, with games played each Monday, Friday, and Saturday at the MediaPro Center in Miami.
The regular season consists of a round-robin format, followed by single-elimination playoffs.
Unrivaled, Up Next: Opening weekend! Live now on @TheNextHoops ?
It’s basketball like you’ve never seen before!https://t.co/KUreUugZFY
— chelsea leite (@chelsealeite) January 22, 2025
Unrivaled features unique rules, such as a condensed full court, seven-minute quarters, and a “winning score” format for the fourth quarter. Fouls result in a single free throw worth two or three points, and players foul out after six fouls.
The coaching staff includes notable names like Teresa Weatherspoon and Phil Handy, along with Andrew Wade, Nola Henry, Adam Harrington, and DJ Sackmann. Monday and Friday night games will be broadcast on TNT, Unrivaled’s broadcast partner. The league represents an exciting new chapter for women’s basketball, showcasing top talent in a competitive environment.
Luke Cooper, Unrivaled’s president of basketball operations, emphasized that the league was “built by basketball people for basketball players,” aiming to set itself apart with its salaries, amenities, and style of play.
