It seems Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier got tired of playing basketball on two continents and decided to make history instead. Their brainchild, the Unrivaled Basketball League, a snazzy new 3-on-3 league, is set to make its grand debut this January in Miami. Cue the confetti and pop the champagne because this league is about to shake up women’s sports with a recipe of fat paychecks, player equity, and staying stateside.
Where Basketball Meets the Big Bucks
Unrivaled is not just another basketball league; it’s the Jeff Bezos of women’s sports salaries. With every player guaranteed at least six figures, the league boasts the highest average paychecks in women’s professional sports. Yep, you heard it right—this is the Oprah Winfrey moment for athletes: “You get six figures! You get six figures!” But wait, there’s more—players also get equity in the league. Now, that’s a retirement plan with style.
In a heartfelt yet powerful YouTube video titled “Hi Me in 5 Years” on Unrivaled’s official channel, Stewart dropped some nuggets of wisdom.
“It’s really important for players to have equity in Unrivaled because there’s never gonna be another first,” she said. Translation? If this league takes off, these athletes will not only have ball skills but also business chops.
Home Sweet Home: Goodbye, Overseas Hustle
Stewart didn’t stop at equity talk; she threw shade at the WNBA’s “play here, hustle there” system. For years, players have been forced to moonlight overseas during the offseason to pay the bills. But Unrivaled aims to fix that mess, giving players a domestic league to focus on their game—and their bank accounts.
“It’s about changing the pattern,” Stewart explained. “We’re talking less jet lag, more skill development, and, honestly, a better vibe.” Imagine improving your game and cashing checks without dealing with time zones or weird foreign snacks.
Unrivaled’s Star-Studded Galaxy
And this league isn’t just about the money—it’s got star power, baby. We’re talking a player roster so loaded it could make Hollywood jealous. Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Arike Ogunbowale, Kelsey Plum, Jewell Loyd—the list goes on. They even rolled out the red carpet for Caitlin Clark, though the star guard hasn’t RSVP’d yet.
But seriously, when you’ve got Brittney Griner, Angel Reese, Satou Sabally, and Rhyne Howard signed up, who even needs a yes from Clark? The FOMO will hit her soon enough.
Show Me the Money
Here’s the kicker: Unrivaled players are expected to rake in an average of $250,000 for an eight-week season. To put that in perspective, the WNBA’s 2024 supermax salary cap is $241,984, and the minimum salary is $64,150. The math is mathing, and Unrivaled comes out on top.
“It’s a win-win,” Stewart said. “Players get better, make bank, and fans get to watch elite-level basketball without waiting for the next WNBA season.”
The Bigger Picture
Unrivaled isn’t just a league; it’s a movement. It’s a giant leap forward for women’s sports, proving that investment and innovation can coexist with entertainment and profitability. Whether it’s redefining offseasons or giving players a seat at the table (with equity), Unrivaled is here to rewrite the playbook.
So mark your calendars, basketball fans. January isn’t just the start of the new year—it’s the dawn of a new era in women’s basketball. As for Stewart and Collier? They’re not just breaking the glass ceiling—they’re dunking through it.
