In case you thought the WNBA stars were resting up this offseason, think again! Thanks to an all-new 3-on-3 league known as Unrivaled, founded by the power duo Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx and Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, WNBA fans are in for an offseason treat. This league isn’t just some weekend scrimmage—it’s star-studded, ultra-competitive, and built to keep the spotlight shining on women’s basketball all year round. And the stakes? Let’s just say they go far beyond bragging rights.
What Exactly is Unrivaled?
Imagine a 3-on-3 league with WNBA stars battling it out on a slightly smaller court, streamed live from Miami and beamed across the nation. It’s got big backers too: former NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Steve Nash, along with U.S. soccer icons Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, are on board as investors, making Unrivaled feel like the all-star weekend that never ends.
Micky Lawler, former Women’s Tennis Association president, was also named commissioner, adding an extra layer of professionalism (and likely some epic pep talks).
Star Power and Epic Roster Expansions
Originally set to feature 30 players, Unrivaled recently bumped up its roster to 36, thanks to an influx of interest and “outperforming financial projections” (translated: the league is getting big bucks). Joining Stewart and Collier are heavy-hitters like Las Vegas Aces’ Chelsea Gray, the Wings’ Arike Ogunbowale, and Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner. Oh, and did we mention college superstar Paige Bueckers is already signed up to join in 2026? Talk about thinking ahead!
Now, a key question remains: Will Unrivaled’s last roster spot belong to the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year and fan-favorite Caitlin Clark? The league seems to hope so. Rumor has it they’ve dangled a “Messi-like” offer, reportedly offering a staggering $1 million plus a slice of league equity. That’s right—Clark would be one of the very few pro athletes getting paid and paid a part of the business.
To sweeten the deal, Unrivaled even signed Clark’s BFFs: Fever teammate Lexie Hull and former Iowa buddy Kate Martin. Clearly, this is no ordinary recruiting pitch.
The Teams and the League’s Unique Vibe
Unrivaled’s teams bring a playful edge: with names like the Laces Basketball Club, Lunar Owls, and Vinyl Basketball Club, you know this league is embracing its creative spirit. And unlike typical basketball leagues, Unrivaled will skip the draft—teams will be hand-picked by a selection committee based on position and skill.
Money Matters: Big Checks and Bigger Equity
Unrivaled claims to offer the highest average salary in women’s sports history. Players will earn at least six figures, with an average around $250,000. Throw in a slice of equity, and you’ve got the potential for some serious fortunes in women’s sports—finally! For reference, that’s more than the WNBA’s top salary, which recently capped out at $242,000. Now we’re talking equal pay with a side of empowerment.
Game Format: Fast, Fierce, and Fun
Games will be compact, set in a “compressed” full court that’s two-thirds the size of a WNBA court. Expect lightning-fast action, squeezed into a one-hour broadcast window with four quarters and a shot clock, though final game rules are still under wraps. The season opens on January 17 and runs for eight weeks, culminating in a four-team playoff. Oh, and just in case that’s not enough excitement, there’s a one-on-one tournament in February with a juicy $250,000 prize for the champion.
Taking Miami, and Soon, the Nation?
Initially, all games will be held at a Miami soundstage with a cozy 850-seat capacity. But don’t worry—Unrivaled has major expansion plans, aiming for a multi-city tour by 2026. Games will air on TNT and truTV, and stream on Max, thanks to a multiyear media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, which also invested an undisclosed sum in the league. So yes, fans will have plenty of ways to tune in—and maybe even score some seats for themselves.
Will Caitlin Clark Join the Party?
As Unrivaled’s opening game inches closer, all eyes are on Caitlin Clark. Will she accept that massive offer and add her firepower to the league? If she does, it’ll be a seismic moment for women’s sports, akin to a rookie sensation stepping into the NBA with a million-dollar contract and shares in the league.
Whether or not Clark joins, Unrivaled is already living up to its name, promising a blend of fun, finesse, and fierce competition. For the fans, the players, and women’s sports, this is one league to watch.
