Women’s professional basketball is experiencing an evolution, with the Unrivaled Basketball League leading the charge. Founded in 2023 by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, this innovative 3-on-3 league offers unprecedented financial opportunities and an electrifying playing format that’s captivating fans across the nation.
The league’s inaugural season ran from January 17 to March 17, 2025, quickly becoming must-watch entertainment during the WNBA offseason. With average salaries exceeding $222,000 and equity stakes in the league itself, Unrivaled is setting new standards for compensation in women’s sports while keeping players stateside rather than heading overseas.
Revolutionary Game Format Keeps Fans Engaged
Unrivaled games look noticeably different from traditional basketball. Played on a 70-foot court (shorter than the WNBA’s 94 feet), games feature three quarters of seven minutes followed by a unique “winning score” fourth quarter.
The target score is determined by adding 11 points to the leading team’s total after the third quarter, eliminating the possibility of overtime.
“This game is rooted in how you would play basketball as a kid on a black top” Unrivaled president of basketball operations Luke Cooper told ESPN. “There’s flow. There’s pace. When you are watching, it feels like you are watching basketball … it’s not a gimmick.”
Speed is central to the Unrivaled experience, with an 18 seconds shot clock keeping action fast-paced. The league also streamlines free throws like players take just one attempt worth the value of the shot they were fouled on, further accelerating gameplay and keeping fans engaged.
The current league structure comprises six teams with six players each. It features elite talent, including Brittney Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, Angel Reese, Aliyah Boston, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Jewell Loyd, alongside co-founder Collier.
The league’s $8 million salary pool ensures average compensation exceeding $222,000, which is higher than the WNBA’s maximum contract.
Player-First Model Transforms Women’s Basketball
What truly sets Unrivaled apart is its player-ownership model. Athletes receive equity stakes, ensuring they benefit from the league’s growth and success.
This structure has proven attractive enough to secure commitments from top collegiate talent. UConn star Paige Bueckers signed a three-year contract worth over $330,000 annually for just 10 weeks of competition after her historic NIL agreement with Unrivaled, making her the first NCAA athlete to hold equity in a professional sports league.
Ionescu and Collier have publicly expressed excitement about competing domestically in a high-reward environment without traveling abroad for additional income, a common necessity for WNBA players seeking financial stability during the offseason.
The Unrivaled League isn’t challenging the WNBA but rather serving as a complementary extension. Operating during the WNBA offseason, it provides an additional platform for athletes to stay in top form while remaining in the United States.
The league’s financial structure prioritizing direct investment in players could push professional women’s basketball toward greater sustainability. With the inaugural season generating over $27 million in revenue, nearly breaking even in its first year, Unrivaled has exceeded initial projections and is projected to achieve profitability next year.
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The league has also expanded its competitive formats, introducing a one-on-one tournament with a $350,000 prize pool. This February 2025 event featured 30 elite players in head-to-head competition, with Napheesa Collier defeating Aaliyah Edwards in the final to claim the $200,000 top prize.
Unrivaled’s debut season concluded with Rose BC defeating Vinyl BC 62-54 in the championship finals, with Chelsea Gray of Rose BC earning Finals MVP honors. The Lunar Owls BC had been title favorites with their impressive 13-1 regular season record.
Strong viewership on TNT, truTV, and streaming platforms demonstrates the substantial appetite for high-caliber women’s basketball year-round, proving these athletes deserve more attention, investment, and opportunities to shine.
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