Move over, skeptics. Napheesa Collier isn’t waiting for Unrivaled’s opening night to claim victory—and her reasoning might just make you want to take notes.
When you think of game changers, you think of buzzer-beaters, alley-oops, and record-shattering performances. But Napheesa Collier is proving that sometimes, the real game-changing moments happen before the ball even hits the hardwood. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year and Minnesota Lynx star has poured her sweat equity (and probably a fair share of midnight coffee runs) into the new 3-on-3 women’s league, Unrivaled, alongside co-founder Breanna Stewart. And guess what? She already considers it a slam dunk success.
“Success, we’ve already accomplished that,” Collier confidently stated in a recent interview. Wait, what? A success before even playing a single game? Yes, you heard it right, and no, she wasn’t being overly optimistic. She had receipts to back it up.
The “Cha-Ching” Effect
So, what’s got Collier feeling like the LeBron of business moves? Turns out, money talks—and Unrivaled is shouting. According to Collier, the league has already managed to shake up the ecosystem of women’s basketball.
“Salaries are going up across the board, overseas and in other domestic leagues,” Collier explained. Translation: while Unrivaled players are prepping for Friday’s tipoff, basketball execs worldwide are scrambling to keep up with the financial ripple effects. “We have our CBA negotiations,” she added, highlighting how even the collective bargaining agreements are getting a glow-up, thanks to this trailblazing league.
Picture this: basketball stars everywhere getting fatter paychecks, players securing better deals overseas, and all this before Unrivaled players even lace up their sneakers for Game 1. Who needs a trophy when you’ve already won at life?
Game Night Face-Off: Lunar Owls vs. Mist
Collier’s Lunar Owls are set to clash with Stewart’s team, Mist, at 7 PM ET this Friday. And while the game promises to be a showdown of epic proportions, you can’t help but wonder if the real story is happening off the court. Unrivaled is 3-on-3 basketball reimagined, with all the firepower of WNBA stars condensed into a faster, flashier, and more competitive format.
No wonder Collier’s grinning. She’s not just playing basketball; she’s flipping the script.
Unrivaled Safety Playbook: No Real-Time Beach Posts, Please
But it’s not all rainbows and dollar signs. Collier also addressed a more sobering reality: safety concerns for women in sports. The league’s Miami-based season, while convenient, also brings risks, especially in light of recent stalking incidents involving UConn’s Paige Bueckers and WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark.
“We had a safety meeting the other day,” Collier shared, discussing steps players are taking to stay safe. Her advice? Post that beach selfie after you leave the sand. “Don’t post where we’re living or where we are in real time.” In other words, keep your location as secretive as your next playbook.
Thankfully, authorities have apprehended the men involved in stalking Bueckers and Clark, but Collier’s words are a stark reminder of the challenges women athletes face beyond the court.
More Than a Game
Unrivaled isn’t just a league; it’s a statement. It’s about empowerment, safety, and yes, making serious cash. For Collier, the vision goes beyond wins and losses—though let’s be honest, she’s planning on plenty of the former.
As Unrivaled tips off, one thing is clear: Napheesa Collier isn’t just competing. She’s creating a legacy. So, if you’re not tuning in on Friday night, are you even keeping up with basketball’s next big thing?