In a move that feels almost like the WNBA saying, “Alright, let’s show them how it’s really done,” the new basketball league Unrivaled is set to shake things up with a roster that reads like an all-star team’s dream journal. Lexie Hull, who made waves at Stanford and now lights up the court for the Indiana Fever, has just signed up for Unrivaled’s debut season. Alongside talents like league founders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, and headliners like Chelsea Gray, Arike Ogunbowale, Jewell Loyd, and Brittney Griner, the league is stacked. Seriously, it’s starting to look like other leagues might just have to step back, watch, and take notes.
A League With a Kick: Meet the Six Teams
So, what’s the tea on the teams? In a stylish and intentional twist, Unrivaled has dubbed its franchises with monikers inspired by European soccer. Introducing: the Laces Basketball Club, Mist Basketball Club, Phantom Basketball Club, Lunar Owls Basketball Club, Rose Basketball Club, and the Vinyl Basketball Club. If you’re getting visions of a night out in Miami with a retro disco-meets-court vibe, you’re probably not far off the mark. The vibe is fresh, the names are catchy, and the hype is real. And if you’re wondering, yes, each team’s brand was curated by Doubleday & Cartwright, whose design portfolio includes some of the trendiest projects around. But let’s be honest—this isn’t just any rebranding; this is a full-court press on the concept of basketball culture itself.
A Format Shake-Up: 3-on-3 Mayhem
Unrivaled is rolling with a fast-paced 3-on-3 format that’s bound to be an instant favorite for fans who crave action and scoring. It’s a full-court game, too, so we’re talking relentless back-and-forth intensity. Imagine all the highlights, the buzzer-beaters, the sassy footwork, and, of course, the “did-they-just-do-that?” moments. It’s basketball meets a high-energy sprint, minus the slow posturing. This is basketball stripped down to its essentials and amped up to the max.
Prime Time with TNT Sports
TNT Sports has signed on for exclusive media coverage, with Unrivaled set to air over 45 primetime games on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays across TNT, truTV, and Max. So, if you were hoping to have a few quiet nights in during the week, well, too bad. Basketball nights are now appointment viewing. According to Luis Silberwasser, TNT’s CEO, Unrivaled represents a fresh opportunity to support top-tier women’s sports, something TNT plans to elevate with a media commitment that will make sure you don’t miss a single jump shot or game-changing pass.
And Let’s Talk Streaming for a Second…
Live games, highlight reels, in-depth analysis—all of it’s coming to platforms like Bleacher Report and House of Highlights. TNT is pulling out all the stops, even collaborating with Mediapro North America to bring a production quality that promises to make each game look as if it’s streaming live from an IMAX screen. And while it might be “just sports,” Unrivaled’s presentation aims to feel like a cultural event in itself.
But Wait—Ally Financial Is Here, Too
Because no sports league is complete without its badges, patches, and sponsorships, Ally Financial has stepped in as the founding partner and jersey sponsor, securing its place in Unrivaled’s history books. So, next time you’re scrolling through fan photos of Lunar Owls’ standout jerseys, you’ll see that sleek Ally patch proudly stitched on every single one. Classy.
On Deck for the Future of Basketball
With a player-first model, a fresh set of branded clubs, and a broadcasting powerhouse behind them, Unrivaled is promising to do more than just play basketball—they’re here to redefine it. Whether you’re in it for the love of the game, the players, or just a fan of well-curated vibes, Unrivaled’s first season is set to deliver something you can’t afford to miss.
So mark your calendars for January 17, 2025. Whether you’re tuning in for the talent or just can’t wait to see what a league co-founded by Collier and Stewart really looks like, Unrivaled is primed to, well, be unrivaled.