After a 4-1 start to the season, the Rose quickly found their groove, finished second in the regular-season standings, and won the first-ever Unrivaled championship. Chelsea Gray led the way with a great regular season and incredibly strong playoff showings. Angel Reese, Azurá Stevens, Brittney Sykes, Lexie Hull, and Kahleah Copper rounded out the Rose’s roster. However, due to some injuries, Natisha Hiedeman, Kiki Jefferson, Ariel Atkins, and Naz Hillmon also suited up for the team for a few games.
Even before the rosters for the 2026 season were finalized, it was clear that the Rose would lose a key piece. Angel Reese opted to not play in Unrivaled this time around. Reese averaged a double-double during the regular season, but had to miss the playoffs with an injury. Still, that is not an easy absence to stomach.
Nevertheless, Rose BC has a solid chance to make some serious noise once again. They were able to protect Chelsea Gray and Kahleah Copper and also retained Azurá Stevens and Lexie Hull. Sug Sutton will replace Brittney Sykes, who will be on the Laces in the 2026 season, and Shakira Austin will take over for Reese.
The Rose’s roster is very strong
Familiarity between Gray, Stevens, Copper, and Hull will be a huge advantage for the Rose, especially early in the season. While other teams will be trying to find a rhythm and build chemistry, they will be able to draw on their experience from last season. On top of that, sheer talent also works in the Rose’s favor.
Chelsea Gray more than proved that she could excel in Unrivaled’s 3-on-3 setting as one of the league’s leading scorers and playmakers last season. Kahleah Copper is one of the best wings in the league. Azurá Stevens took her game to the next level with the Sparks, and Lexie Hull just finished her best season yet with the Fever. Both look ready for successful Unrivaled seasons.
New additions Sug Sutton and Shakira Austin can also make an immediate impact. Sutton had her best WNBA season yet, averaging 7.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game as a starter for the Washington Mystics. Austin also had her best season yet with the Mystics and was a candidate for the Most Improved Player award for a while. She also had some big games with the Lunar Owls last season, like her double-double against the Mist in early March.
While Austin may not be the same level of rebounder that Reese is, she can provide strong inside scoring, rim protection, and size. Combining Austin’s skill set with Stevens’s versatility gives the Rose a strong big rotation despite losing Reese.