If you thought Napheesa Collier was taking it easy after dominating the hardwood this past WNBA season, think again. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is proving there’s no such thing as an offseason when you’re built different. And by “different,” we mean juggling an intense workout schedule, stepping into the commentator’s booth, and, oh yeah, co-founding an entire basketball league. No big deal, right?
Collier recently swapped her Lynx jersey for a headset, joining WNBA legend Rebekkah Brunson to call plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The two were all smiles courtside as the Timberwolves flexed their muscles in a 97-87 win over the LA Lakers. Anthony Edwards had his usual “too-cool-for-you” moment, leading his squad to victory, while Collier had her own breakout moment as a broadcaster. Spoiler: she’s as sharp with a mic as she is with a basketball.
On Instagram, Collier posted photos from her new gig and her offseason workouts, captioning them with a casual yet loaded: “Workin.” Fans couldn’t help but applaud her grind, though some wondered if she ever sleeps.
A Finals Standout and League Visionary
Fresh off her first trip to the WNBA Finals—where her Lynx fell to the New York Liberty—Collier left it all on the court, averaging 19.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.4 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game. That’s not just “good”; that’s “put the team on my back” territory. And while Liberty fans celebrated their championship, Lynx fans knew their star wasn’t done making headlines.
As if dominating the WNBA wasn’t enough, Collier is preparing to flip the script on women’s basketball. She and Breanna Stewart are co-launching the Unrivaled Basketball League, a 3-on-3 showcase of elite WNBA talent designed to keep players stateside during the offseason. Scheduled to debut in Miami on January 17, 2025, Unrivaled is promising players the highest average salaries in women’s pro sports history—yes, you read that right.
With an average paycheck of $250,000 and a floor salary in the six figures, Unrivaled is putting overseas leagues on notice. “Why fly halfway across the globe when you can make bank at home and still hit up brunch with your squad?” seems to be the unspoken motto.
Basketball with Equity and Entertainment
In a promotional video, Breanna Stewart explained the league’s vision. “It’s really important for players to have equity in Unrivaled because there’s never gonna be another first,” Stewart said, channeling her inner startup founder. She added that the league’s goal is to grow year after year until it becomes a juggernaut. Translation: they’re playing chess, not checkers.
The concept is genius: keep players home, pay them well, and give them equity in a league they’re building from the ground up. The days of juggling WNBA and grueling overseas schedules are on their way out, replaced with more sustainable opportunities like Unrivaled.
And because basketball royalty runs in the family, Collier’s husband, renowned skills coach Alex Bazzell, is the league’s first president. If this isn’t a power couple, then what is?
Looking Ahead to 2025
The inaugural Unrivaled season will feature top-tier talent, including Collier, Mystics big Shakira Austin, and Storm guard Skylar Diggins-Smith. Collier herself will suit up for the Lunar Owls BC, and frankly, if team names like that don’t get you hyped, what will? The games will air on TNT and TruTV, with streams on Max, so fans can catch every crossover, buzzer-beater, and cheeky post-game interview.
In the words of Napheesa Collier herself: “Workin.” That’s the vibe. Whether it’s defending the paint, dropping buckets, or building the future of women’s hoops, Collier is proving she’s got game on and off the court.
So, buckle up. The Lunar Owls, Unrivaled Basketball League, and Napheesa Collier are coming for the spotlight—and they’re not playing around.
