Unrivaled: The Game-Changing Women’s Basketball League Making Waves

In just a short time, Unrivaled has become one of the most exciting developments in women’s basketball—and sports in general. Inspired by the growing popularity of 3-on-3 basketball, first introduced at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, Unrivaled offers a fresh, high-energy alternative to traditional five-on-five play. The U.S. women’s team showed early dominance in the format, medaling in both Olympic appearances, signaling strong fan and athlete interest.

Co-founded by WNBA stars and former UConn teammates Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled gives WNBA players the opportunity to compete domestically during the offseason—no overseas commitments required. The league consists of six teams, each with six players, and features some of the biggest names in the sport, including Angel Reese and Cameron Brink. Stewart and Collier themselves are also on the court, adding star power and credibility.

The debut 2025 season, which ran for nine weeks and aired on TNT and Max, exceeded expectations with an average of 221,000 viewers per game and $27 million in revenue. The league attracted high-profile investors such as soccer icon Alex Morgan and NBA superstar Steph Curry, while sponsorships from major brands like Under Armour, State Farm, and Miller Lite solidified its commercial appeal. In fact, Under Armour’s custom Unrivaled jerseys sold out in under an hour.

Alex Bazzell, Collier’s husband and Unrivaled’s current president, emphasizes the importance of staying innovative while keeping the fan experience intimate. While the league currently plays at Wayfair Arena in Miami (850 seats), Bazzell envisions a “touring” model that brings games to different cities, making it more accessible to fans nationwide. He’s also exploring expansion beyond the 36-player roster to accommodate rising talent and increase visibility.

As Unrivaled heads into its second season, it’s clear the league is just getting started. With powerful backers, a growing fanbase, and a commitment to elevating women’s sports, Unrivaled is redefining the game—one fast-paced, three-on-three matchup at a time.