Unrivaled basketball league gains massive boost to star power with recent signing

As the WNBA experiences a meteoric rise in popularity, its players are taking their fates into their own hands. Seeking to maximize revenue and player empowerment once the 40-game season concludes in America's top league, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart have led a captivating charge.

Collier and Stewart, along with a slew of high-profile financial backers, have launched Unrivaled—a new 3-on-3 league that promises to maximize financial opportunities for its players.

Unrivaled is building a strong roster, with co-founders Collier and Stewart the obvious first two names to appear. Joining them, thus far, are WNBA All-Star players Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jewell Loyd, Arike Ogunbowale, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young.

In what's certain to produce a massive influx of fan interest, the latest addition to the Unrivaled league has been revealed: Chicago Sky star Angel Reese.

Already a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year and one of the most popular athletes in the United States, Reese will help Unrivaled continue the process of athlete empowerment.

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese signs with Unrivaled league

Reese, 22, has experienced a remarkable rise in popularity over the past two years. That began when she helped lead the LSU Tigers to the 2023 National Championship, winning Most Outstanding Player honors for the NCAA Tournament.

During that run to the title, Reese began what would become a landscape-altering on-court rivalry with then Iowa Hawkeyes and now Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.

Reese, a three-time All-American in college, has built upon that collegiate success by reaching the WNBA All-Star Game as a rookie. It's a tremendous feat that, along with Clark, helped end a 10-year drought for seasons without multiple rookies as All-Stars.

Throw in the 2024 SEC Player of the Year award, and Reese already has a résumé to justify the star power she's acquired both on and off the court.

As for Unrivaled, the league is generating a significant amount of support behind the scenes. Investors include renowned athletes such as Carmelo Anthony, Alex Morgan, Steve Nash, and Megan Rapinoe, who all aspire to help create a reliable revenue source that will also help grow the sport.

The pool of investors also features former ESPN and Turner presidents David Levy and John Skipper, who could help the league gain mainstream television exposure.

The Unrivaled website shows 10 out of 30 roster spots filled, suggesting that a slew of announcements will be made at some point in the future. In the meantime, Reese's presence will bring new attention to what could be a groundbreaking league for women's basketball.

With Reese joining a cast of fellow All-Stars, Unrivaled is on its way to making a significant splash in the sports realm as a 3-on-3 league with impressive star power.