Unrivaled Basketball is set to make its debut soon. The new 3v3 league is set to tip-off later this month. One intriguing element of Unrivaled is that the average salary is expected to challenge the WNBA's average salary for players. At the very least, players will make six figures in Unrivaled, but some reports have suggested that each player will make over $200,000. Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner, who is participating in Unrivaled, believes the new 3v3 league will give the WNBA something to think about, via Myles Ehrlich of Winsidr.
Brittney Griner on upcoming WNBA CBA negotiations: "Unrivaled is showing that you don't need a lot of time to pool resources together. Being happy with what we already have is not gonna fly [here]... it'll definitely put pressure on [the W] to do better." (Q: @AnnieCostabile)
— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) January 7, 2025
"Unrivaled is showing that you don't need a lot of time to pool resources together," Griner said. "Being happy with what we already have is not gonna fly [here]... it'll definitely put pressure on [the W] to do better."
Griner is hopeful that Unrivaled will help the WNBA. The league saw immense growth in 2024, something players are hopeful will continue in 2025. The more the league grows, the more players can potentially be paid.
WNBA salaries have been a subject of discussion in recent years. Many players feel as if they should be getting paid more than they currently are. Although it is uncertain how much players are specifically making in Unrivaled, the fact that an eight-week season is expected to challenge an entire WNBA season from a salary standpoint is something to monitor.
The WNBA surely wants to pay players more, and salaries could see an increase in future years. In addition to an intriguing salary, Unrivaled Basketball also provides players with an alternative to playing overseas.
For many years, WNBA players have played overseas given their lower salaries. Now, players have the option to remain in the United States while still being able to play a competitive brand of basketball. Sure, a 3v3 league is different than a normal WNBA campaign, but the basketball being played will still be extremely competitive. Many of the best players in the league are participating in Unrivaled.
When will the Unrivaled Basketball season officially begin?
The Unrivaled Basketball season will officially begin on January 17 in Miami. The regular season will last until March 10, with the postseason being played in mid-March. The Unrivaled championship is scheduled for March 17.
Excitement is certainly beginning to increase with Unrivaled right around the corner. The new league also presents women's basketball fans with another league to follow during the WNBA offseason.