The WNBA has been basking in the glow of overdue recognition, and with that comes innovative ventures like Unrivaled—a 3-on-3 basketball league ready to make noise in the offseason. Thanks to WNBA superstars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, Unrivaled isn’t just a league; it’s a statement. And what better way to make that statement than by mixing seasoned veterans with some of the freshest talent from the 2024 WNBA Draft class?
But let’s not get carried away—this isn’t your run-of-the-mill offseason gig. It’s a six-team showdown featuring shorter courts, a custom venue in sunny Florida, and just enough adrenaline to keep basketball junkies glued to their screens until January 17 finally rolls around. Oh, and did we mention the first-ever one-on-one tournament with a jaw-dropping $200,000 prize? Cue the competitive fireworks.
The Rookie Roll Call
From the 2024 WNBA Draft class, only four players got their golden ticket to Unrivaled. Let’s break it down:
- Angel Reese – You didn’t think she’d miss this, did you? Reese brings her relentless energy to Team Rose, where her tenacity might just make her opponents regret showing up.
- Aaliyah Edwards – She’s all about finesse and flair, and she’s suiting up for Team Mist. Get ready for some highlight reels.
- Rickea Jackson – Jackson’s joining Edwards on Team Mist, which means opponents better pray they packed some defensive wizardry.
- Cameron Brink – She’s got the skill set to dominate Unrivaled, but Brink’s sidelined with an ACL injury. The wildcard spot she holds is basically a “see you next year” teaser.
And then there’s Caitlin Clark. The league reportedly threw everything but the kitchen sink at her—think a Messi-like deal—to join the madness. But the Indiana Fever star turned it all down to focus on recovery, leaving fans to wonder what could’ve been.
The Intriguing Format
Unrivaled isn’t here to play by the rules. Games are played in four seven-minute quarters, and the six-player rosters allow for just enough rotation to keep things interesting. Think high-octane, fast-paced action that fits neatly into a basketball fanatic’s attention span.
Then there’s the groundbreaking one-on-one tournament. It’s not just basketball; it’s gladiatorial combat on hardwood. If the prospect of $200,000 doesn’t inspire players to unleash their inner ball-hog, nothing will.
Show Me the Money
Speaking of cash, players are set to earn around $250,000 each, plus equity in the league. Imagine hooping your heart out and walking away with both a paycheck and a piece of the pie. If that doesn’t scream “game-changer,” what does?
The Rosters You Need to Know
Here’s the kicker—every team has a star-studded lineup, and every matchup feels like a primetime showdown. From Jewell Loyd leading Team Mist to Arike Ogunbowale bringing her sharpshooting swagger to Team Vynil, every game promises drama, intensity, and the occasional trash talk.
Oh, and let’s not forget the coaches. Ever heard of Phil Handy? He’s helming Team Mist. Then there’s Teresa Weatherspoon, whose energy alone could fuel an entire arena.
Final Thoughts
Unrivaled is more than a league; it’s a revolution. It’s a chance for WNBA players to showcase their skills, pocket some well-deserved cash, and remind everyone why women’s basketball deserves the spotlight.
And if the 2024 draft class is anything to go by, the future of this league—and the WNBA—is brighter than a Florida summer. So, buckle up and prepare for seven-minute quarters of pure basketball bliss.
Now, can someone please offer Caitlin Clark a jet and a lifetime supply of Gatorade to reconsider?
