This offseason, several WNBA players will be competing in a new women’s basketball league. Unrivaled is a new 3-on-3 league, featuring six clubs and a unique style of play. Unlike the FIBA 3x3 competition basketball fans know, Unrivaled games will be played on a full court.
Some of the WNBA’s biggest stars will be facing off in fast-paced, competitive games, and excitement around women’s basketball fans is already high. The first tickets put on sale were gone in a matter of 30 minutes.
Unrivaled offers players a chance to work on their game during the WNBA offseason without having to leave family and friends to play overseas and allows fans to watch most of their favorite players in one place. There will be plenty of interesting storylines to follow.
5. Who will take the final roster spots?
Unrivaled already expanded its roster spots and now still has three spots available—two wildcard spots and Kelsey Plum’s replacement. Plum announced late last month that she will not be suiting up for the Laces after all to focus on herself. The league was understandably waiting for Caitlin Clark to make a decision, but the Fever star decided to not play for Unrivaled Basketball.
So, who will the final three players be? Can Unrivaled land another big name, such as A’ja Wilson or Nneka Ogwumike, or give younger players an opportunity to shine in the new league? While losing Plum is a big blow, there is still plenty of time to round out the rosters until January 17.
4. Angel Reese’s development
Out of the WNBA rookies Unrivaled signed to play in its inaugural season, Angel Reese is undoubtedly the biggest name. Reese was named an All-Star in her rookie season but still has plenty of room for improvement. Reese playing for Unrivaled is a win-win situation. The Chicago Sky star will attract plenty of fans while getting an opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in the world.
Reese will play for the Rose Basketball Club with veterans Chelsea Gray, Brittney Sykes, Kahleah Copper, and Azurá Stevens. There is plenty of championship experience on the roster for Reese to learn from.
At the same time, the style of play and tough competition will challenge Reese on both ends of the floor, and that is the best way for a young player to grow.
3. The 1v1 Tournament
Unrivaled will offer fans plenty of unusual and thrilling action and not just because of the unique 3-on-3 setting. In February, Unrivaled will feature a 1v1 tournament with $250,000 available for the winner. This may be the most intriguing aspect of the new league.
Who wouldn’t want to see some of the best players in the world compete in a 1-on-1 tournament? Just imagine Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart getting a chance to repeat their finals matchup, Arike Ogunbwale pulling out all her best moves, and Dijonai Carrington defending some of the best guards in the game. Each matchup in the 1-on-1 tournament will be intriguing in its own way.
The idea has even been floated around to save the NBA All-Star Game. Unrivaled will finally give fans a chance to see what that could look like.
2. Breanna Stewart’s and Jewell Loyd’s reunion
When it was announced that both Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd would be playing for Unrivaled this winter, fans could not wait to see them team up once again. Stewart and Loyd led the Seattle Storm to two WNBA championships in 2018 and 2020. Loyd is still in Seattle, but Stewart has since moved on to the New York Liberty.
This winter, the two will join forces again and suit up for the Mist Basketball Club together. Between Loyd, Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot, Dijonai Carrington, Rickea Jackson, and Aaliyah Edwards, the team has plenty of talent and may even be one of the favorites.
So, fans might get a chance to see Stewart and Loyd win together once again.
1. The overall growth of women’s basketball
Women’s basketball is on the rise, and Unrivaled is one of the embodiments of that development. Not too long ago, the WNBA was struggling to attract viewers. Now, women’s basketball is so popular that the WNBA broke viewership records, and a new league can start up, sign several of the biggest stars in the game, pay players significant salaries, and secure a TV deal with TNT.
Without playing a single game yet, Unrivaled is already part of this new era of women’s basketball and has the chance to contribute significantly to the growth of the game. So, even if their favorite player is not playing, all fans of women’s basketball should keep an eye on how things are going in Miami this winter. After all, this is just the beginning and women’s basketball still has so much room to grow.