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In a year that’s seen her reel in accolades like an overachiever at an awards banquet, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier is expanding her résumé once more. Fresh off a stellar season where she just missed the MVP crown but claimed Defensive Player of the Year, Collier is gearing up to co-lead a groundbreaking women’s 3-on-3 basketball league called Unrivaled. And just when fans thought they’d seen all the league had to offer, Collier is back with another surprise.
Originally, Unrivaled was set to feature a select 30 players, but due to a surge in player demand and financial success (a rare feat in the startup world, let alone in sports), Collier announced a roster expansion to 36 players. Why the change? Simple—when your league’s financial projections outperform expectations, you say, “Why not add more players?” It’s like going to an all-you-can-eat buffet and suddenly realizing you need a bigger plate.
The expansion is already stirring up excitement. Major names, including Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Angel Reese, have signed up to play, bringing even more talent into the mix. With six teams and now a few more star-studded spots, the league has all the makings of a must-watch phenomenon. And in a twist that has basketball fans buzzing, the team names, too, are uncharacteristically stylish. Laces Basketball Club, Mist Basketball Club, and Phantom Basketball Club, among others, might make you wonder if these teams were named by a sneakerhead poet with a flair for the dramatic.
This brainchild of Collier and Breanna Stewart isn’t just about dropping dimes and draining threes, though. The league also stands out by paying players some of the highest salaries in women’s sports, an impressive commitment that could set a new benchmark. Plus, each player holds a small slice of equity in the league. So when these players hit the hardwood, they’re playing for their team and their bottom line. If that’s not motivation, nothing is.
Set to tip-off in Miami this January, the first season will run in a round-robin format over eight weeks, with each game primed to air on TNT, TruTV, and stream on Max. And don’t expect this to be a low-budget affair—Unrivaled managed to score a major TV deal with TNT, which means you’ll get all the big plays, buzzer-beaters, and inevitable trash talk in full HD glory. Between Unrivaled’s fresh approach and solid broadcasting deals, women’s basketball just might have found its next big thing.
As the weeks count down to the first game, fans are clamoring for more announcements and updates. Will there be more team expansions? More high-profile players coming on board? Only time will tell, but with Collier and Stewart at the helm, you can bet on one thing: this league won’t be business as usual.