The Unrivaled 3×3 women’s basketball league has emerged as a game-changer in professional sports economics. Founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, this innovative league guarantees six-figure salaries to all players, with the average compensation exceeding $220,000 per player in its inaugural 2025 season.
The league’s revolutionary approach to player compensation extends beyond base salaries. With tournament prizes including a staggering $250,000 for the winner of the midseason 1v1 tournament and championship bonuses of $50,000 per player, Unrivaled is redefining what women athletes can earn in basketball.
How Much Do Unrivaled Players Make? Examining the 3×3 League’s Pay Structure
Unrivaled’s total player compensation exceeds $8.65 million, distributed among just 36 athletes. This structure dramatically outpaces the WNBA, where the average salary was approximately $119,590 in 2024. Even the maximum WNBA base salary of around $214,466 falls short of Unrivaled’s average pay.
The financial impact is already evident in players’ experiences. When Angel Reese won the championship with Rose Basketball Club, her $50,000 bonus alone represented more than half of her entire WNBA rookie contract, highlighting the substantial gap between the two leagues.
The high minimum salary ensures that even players who aren’t considered marquee stars receive premium compensation. This approach stands in stark contrast to other professional sports leagues, where significant pay gaps often exist between top earners and the rest of the roster.
Individual player salaries within Unrivaled aren’t uniform, with the league maintaining flexibility to differentiate compensation based on market value, experience and overall team contribution. Still, the baseline guarantee of six figures for every player establishes a new benchmark for women’s professional sports.
Equity and Revenue Sharing
Unrivaled doesn’t just offer impressive immediate earnings; it gives players a stake in the future. The league’s inaugural players receive equity that vests over four years, creating long-term value beyond seasonal compensation.
Players also split 15% of the league’s revenue, with allocations determined by factors including contract length and professional accolades. This innovative approach transforms athletes from mere employees to genuine stakeholders in the league’s success.
The performance-based elements of compensation create powerful incentives for both individual excellence and team success. When a player wins the midseason 1v1 tournament, not only do they receive the $250,000 prize, but each of their teammates also earns a $10,000 bonus, fostering a culture of collective achievement.
Substantial financial investment, including $35 million in funding from investors like Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Michael Phelps, has ensured the sustainability of this ambitious compensation model.
RELATED: What Is Unrivaled Basketball? Inside the 3-on-3 League Changing the Game for Women Athletes
The league’s strategic partnerships with media executives John Skipper and David Levy have helped secure valuable broadcast deals with TNT Sports and international platforms.
In its first year, Unrivaled reported over $27 million in revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and partnerships with brands like Ally Financial and Under Armour.
The league’s eight-week season format offers a compelling alternative to the grueling year-round commitments faced by many women’s basketball players who traditionally supplement their income by playing overseas.
Unrivaled’s player-first financial approach represents a watershed moment for women’s sports economics.
By demonstrating that investing generously in athletes can create a viable business model, the league may ultimately influence salary standards across women’s professional sports while reducing the need for top players to seek supplemental income through overseas play.
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