Home / Sports / WNBA Stars Launch Player-Owned League
WNBA Stars Launch Player-Owned League
7 Oct
Summary
- Unrivaled offers equity stakes to players for ownership.
- League provides income during WNBA off-season at home.
- Designed to combat player burnout and injury risks.
Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier have co-founded Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 basketball league designed specifically for WNBA players during their off-season. The league officially commences its inaugural season in January 2025, concluding in March. Unrivaled aims to provide a solution to systemic issues faced by professional women's basketball players, such as extensive travel overseas immediately after the WNBA season and the resulting burnout and injury concerns.
The player-owned league structure ensures that top athletes, including stars like Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, not only earn significant income domestically but also receive equity stakes in the business. This model allows players to remain rested, healthy, and close to their families while continuing to build their brand and capitalize on their athletic careers. Collier emphasized the necessity of Unrivaled as a direct response to the demanding schedule that often compromises player well-being.
