The basketball world is buzzing as Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, two WNBA superstars turned entrepreneurial mavens, have officially wrapped up a jaw-dropping $35 million investment round for their brainchild, the “Unrivaled” 3×3 league. Forget the usual half-court drama—this league has stars lining up both on and off the hardwood.
On December 16, Collier celebrated the announcement with an Instagram story that showcased the league’s impressive roster of investors, making it clear that Unrivaled is ready to dunk on expectations. And trust us, this list of investors reads like a celebrity basketball draft.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Investors
The league didn’t just snag your average backers—it went straight for MVPs in both sports and clout. Milwaukee Bucks phenom Giannis Antetokounmpo and his Timberwolves teammate Joe Ingles are on board, along with 2004 NBA champion Rip Hamilton. Want more star power? Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps, who’s apparently as good at investing as he is at breaking records, and his wife Nicole have also joined the squad.
Even college hoops royalty couldn’t resist. Dawn Staley, USC Gamecocks’ iconic coach, threw her hat in the ring, as did JuJu Watkins—a player so young and hyped she hasn’t even gone pro yet but still managed to land on the investors’ list. Is this basketball or a Hollywood blockbuster?
Rivalry Reimagined: Collier vs. Stewart
Unrivaled isn’t just about flashy investors; it’s also rewriting rivalries. Collier and Stewart, fresh off clashing in the WNBA Finals where Stewart’s New York Liberty bested Collier’s Minnesota Lynx, are now on the same team—but not literally, of course. The two frenemies have joined forces off the court, proving that money talks louder than smack.
“It’s been great,” Collier told Bleacher Report, clearly mastering the art of understatement. “Coming together for something bigger than us has been amazing… Even with women’s sports exploding, we believe it can grow even more.”
The duo’s entrepreneurial chemistry isn’t just good; it’s MVP-level. Collier gushed about building the league from scratch with Stewart, calling the process “super rewarding.” Translation? They’re as much of a dream team in the boardroom as they are on the court.
Unrivaled Takes Flight on TNT
Mark your calendars, folks. The Unrivaled league tips off on January 17, with Collier’s Lunar Owls Basketball Club facing Stewart’s Mist Basketball Club at 7:00 PM ET on TNT. That’s right, you get to watch two of the best in the business face off once again—this time, with even higher stakes.
Will Unrivaled Be a Slam Dunk?
The buzz surrounding Unrivaled’s inaugural season is louder than a playoff crowd in double overtime. With top WNBA talent stepping in to play and big-name investors bankrolling the league, Unrivaled has the potential to not just disrupt the game but also shake up women’s sports marketing entirely.
If this league delivers on its promise, don’t be surprised if it becomes the biggest assist the WNBA has ever seen. For now, one thing’s for sure—Collier and Stewart have already proven that they’re as unguardable in the business world as they are on the court.