The WNBA offseason often feels like basketball purgatory, with fans twiddling their thumbs until May rolls around. But this winter, instead of binge-watching highlights on loop, basketball diehards will witness a groundbreaking twist in women’s hoops—the debut of the Unrivaled Basketball League. And spoiler alert: it’s not your average full-court affair.
This isn’t just any debut—it’s a 3-on-3 showdown that could make you rethink the very fabric of basketball. Co-founded by WNBA superstars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled promises a compressed court, rapid-fire action, and maybe a few fans awkwardly close to the baseline in a cozy 1,000-seat soundstage arena in Miami. Because who needs the Chase Center when you can ball in a boutique venue?
The league tips off on January 17, and it’s bringing the drama right out of the gate.
Finals Vibes, Minus the Teams
First up: Stewart’s Mist takes on Collier’s Lunar Owls in a matchup dripping with sort-of WNBA Finals vibes. Last month, Stewart’s New York Liberty barely edged Collier’s Minnesota Lynx in a nail-biting, five-game Finals series that saw overtime in the deciding game. The Liberty claimed the championship, leaving Lynx fans shaking fists at the basketball gods.
This time, though, it’s stripped-down, 3-on-3 chaos. And while this isn’t a “real” Finals rematch (sorry, Lynx fans, no revenge arc here), we’ll still get to watch the co-founders go head-to-head. Stewart vs. Collier feels like the WNBA’s version of a heavyweight title fight—if the ring were cut in half and packed with sideline spectators praying they don’t get hit by a loose ball.
Stewart brings her three WNBA titles, two MVPs, and cool, stoic demeanor to the Mist, while Collier counters with her Defensive Player of the Year accolades and an edge sharper than Stewart’s three-point shot. These two have been guarding each other for years, so expect a defensive chess match that’s part physical, part psychological, and entirely entertaining.
But let’s not overlook the supporting cast. The Mist includes the likes of Jewell Loyd, the “Gold Mamba” herself, along with Courtney Vandersloot, fresh off helping Stewart’s Liberty snag the 2024 title. The Lunar Owls boast Skylar Diggins-Smith, bringing enough swagger to rival Collier’s grit, and Allisha Gray, who makes slicing through defenses look like a casual Sunday jog.
Rose vs. Vinyl: The Undercard Worth Watching
After the Stewart-Collier showdown, we get round two of opening night, featuring Angel Reese, the rookie sensation fresh off her Chicago Sky debut. Reese joins the Rose Club, which includes Chelsea “Point Gawd” Gray, Kahleah Copper, and the always-electric Brittney Sykes. Gray’s court vision will undoubtedly make Rose a nightmare matchup—assuming her teammates don’t get distracted by her highlight-reel dimes.
On the other side? The Vinyl Club, led by Arike Ogunbowale, known for her clutch gene and, let’s be honest, occasional heat-check shots that defy physics. Add Aliyah Boston, the unanimous Rookie of the Year, and you’ve got a lineup ready to make defenders question their career choices.
The 3-on-3 Experiment
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: this isn’t 5-on-5. It’s 3-on-3, played on a compressed court, which means the game is faster, tighter, and probably a bit chaotic. Think of it as basketball’s version of a mosh pit, but with more finesse and fewer bruises.
The new format is a mystery, but that’s half the fun. Will the spacing be glorious or a defensive nightmare? Will fans on the sidelines be dodging errant passes? And most importantly, will anyone have enough gas left in the tank for Monday night games?
One thing’s for sure: the drama, star power, and intrigue are off the charts.
Why You Should Tune In
With games broadcast on TNT and TruTV, Unrivaled is banking on curiosity pulling viewers in—and it’s a safe bet. Where else will you get a mix of WNBA stars, half-court sets that feel like chess matches, and the potential for players accidentally high-fiving fans after layups?
So mark your calendars, basketball fans. Whether you’re tuning in for Stewart’s icy composure, Collier’s fire, or the absolute chaos of a 3-on-3 league figuring itself out in real time, Unrivaled promises to be anything but ordinary.
And hey, if nothing else, you’ll get to see what happens when you mash up the WNBA Finals and a pickup game at your local gym.
Final Thought
Unrivaled isn’t just a league; it’s a question: What happens when you hand the reins to two of the most competitive players in women’s basketball and tell them, “Go make something new”? The answer begins January 17. Buckle up.
