Unrivaled Women's Basketball League Set to Launch

The highly anticipated Unrivaled women's basketball league, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is gearing up for a sensational debut this coming January. Announced on Wednesday, the league's rosters feature an incredible lineup of talent as the inaugural season is set to tip off on January 17, 2024.

Purpose and Structure

Unrivaled aims to keep elite female athletes active and thriving during the WNBA offseason by offering a competitive platform that also allows players to supplement their incomes. The league has divided a pool of 34 players into six dynamic teams, with each team showcasing a variety of positions — guards, wings, and bigs. Notably, two teams still have wild card spots available, creating excitement about potential surprise additions.

Unprecedented Salaries and Equity

The rosters include some of the WNBA's biggest names. Not only does Unrivaled promise unprecedented salaries, positioning itself as the highest-paying professional women's sports league in history, but it also provides equity to its inaugural participants. This groundbreaking move allows players to share in the league's successes well into the future.

Meet the Teams: Unrivaled's Star-Studded Lineup

1. Vinyl (coached by Teresa Weatherspoon): - Arike Ogunbowale, guard, Dallas Wings - Rhyne Howard, wing, Atlanta Dream - Aliyah Boston, big, Indiana Fever - Jordin Canada, guard, Dream - Rae Burrell, wing, Los Angeles Sparks - Dearica Hamby, big, Sparks 2. Rose (coached by Nola Henry): - Chelsea Gray, guard, Las Vegas Aces - Kahleah Copper, wing, Phoenix Mercury - Angel Reese, forward, Chicago Sky - Brittney Sykes, guard, Washington Mystics - Lexie Hull, wing, Fever - Azurá Stevens, big, Sparks 3. Mist (coached by Phil Handy): - Jewell Loyd, guard, Seattle Storm - DiJonai Carrington, wing, Connecticut Sun - Breanna Stewart, big, New York Liberty - Courtney Vandersloot, guard, Liberty - Rickea Jackson, wing, Sparks - Aaliyah Edwards, big, Mystics 4. Lunar Owls (coached by DJ Sackmann): - Skylar Diggins-Smith, guard, Storm - Allisha Gray, wing, Dream - Napheesa Collier, big, Minnesota Lynx - Natasha Cloud, guard, Mercury - Shakira Austin, big, Mystics 5. Phantom (coached by Adam Harrington - Wildcard): - Jackie Young, guard, Aces - Marina Mabrey, wing, Sun - Satou Sabally, big, Wings - Tiffany Hayes, guard, Aces - Brittney Griner, big, Mercury 6. Laces (coached by Andrew Wade - Wildcard): - Kelsey Plum, guard, Aces - Kayla McBride, wing, Lynx - Alyssa Thomas, big, Sun - Courtney Williams, guard, Lynx - Kate Martin, wing, Aces - Stefanie Dolson, big, Mystics

The Coaches Behind the Teams

Unrivaled has handpicked a stellar roster of coaches, emphasizing player development and expertise. Coaches, including the likes of Weatherspoon and Handy, bring vast experience from the NBA and WNBA to their respective teams, fostering a strong focus on nurturing talent.

Where to Watch the Action?

Fans will be able to catch all the thrilling gameplay as the league enters into a multi-year broadcasting deal with TNT Sports. Games will air on TNT on Mondays and Fridays, with additional broadcasts on Saturdays via TruTV.

Innovative Gameplay Format

The Unrivaled league differentiates itself with a modified 3x3 format, allowing for fast-paced, dynamic play that will showcase athletes' skills while reducing the physical toll of traditional full-court games. This innovative structure is designed to enhance player performance and longevity.

Caitlin Clark's Future with Unrivaled

Caitlin Clark, the star player from Iowa, has garnered significant attention regarding her potential participation in Unrivaled's inaugural season. Although reports suggest she may not join this year, league officials have indicated they still have an open invitation for her, underscoring the league's intention to include star power in its ranks.

Looking Ahead

As the excitement builds for the upcoming season, Unrivaled is set to reshape women’s professional basketball, merging elite competition with groundbreaking financial incentives for athletes. With key players and prominent investors backing the league, it promises to be a game-changer in women’s sports!