MIAMI – The newly launched 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, Unrivaled, made its debut on Friday night, co-founded by prominent WNBA players Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. In the inaugural matchup, Stewart made history by scoring the league’s first basket with a baseline jumper, although it was Collier’s team that emerged victorious after a spirited comeback.
This league, the result of conversations that began a couple of years ago, aims to elevate women’s basketball. Stewart expressed her excitement by saying, “I can’t even put it into words what it’s going to be like,” highlighting the anticipation surrounding the opening night. “There’s so much hype, content, and discussion, and we worked diligently to reach this point both on and off the court.”
Unrivaled showcases 36 top-tier players from the WNBA, including standout rookie Angel Reese, whose team is scheduled to compete in the second match of the evening. Fans arrived early, enjoying various activities outside the venue, despite light rain, including a basketball shooting contest and hurdles. One fan, Charlene Lewis from Maryland, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “I love the WNBA and admire the creativity that Napheesa and Stewie brought to women’s basketball. It’s something entirely new. I truly believe they are making history with this league.”
The event was held in a specially constructed venue in Miami that seats roughly 850 fans, with the furthest seats located approximately 30 feet from the court. The energetic crowd cheered for nearly every play, separated from strong loyalties to any team. Unique features of the game included a court that is 20 feet shorter than the WNBA standard, as well as a game structure of three seven-minute quarters, followed by a fourth quarter played to a “winning score.” The winning score is determined by adding 11 to the leading team’s score after three quarters.
During the first match, Stewart’s team led 73-67 heading into the final quarter. However, Skylar Diggins-Smith propelled her team, the Lunar Owls, to a comeback victory, clinching an 84-80 win after scoring consecutive three-pointers, including the decisive shot. “This atmosphere was electric,” Diggins-Smith commented after the game. “We’re going to celebrate this one tonight.” Jewell Loyd led the Mist with a phenomenal 30 points, while Collier contributed 27 points for the Lunar Owls in the fast-paced contest.
Celebrated former WNBA player Lisa Leslie, now a broadcast analyst for TNT and TruTV, reflected on the significance of the occasion. “It’s unrivaled and unmatched for women to enjoy such a first-class experience in every way,” she remarked, comparing it to her early days in the WNBA. “This time feels different; they have their own facilities, weight rooms, and massage areas. It’s a new era.”
The pregame atmosphere mirrored that of an All-Star Game, with players emerging from a stage at center court amidst a smoke show. Stewart and Collier posed for pictures with league commissioner Micky Lawler at halfcourt. Tickets for the opening night fetched impressive prices on the secondary market, with some selling for nearly $500 and premium seats listed at $727, according to Gametime.
Notable attendees included investors like former U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team captain Alex Morgan and former NBA All-Star Steve Nash, alongside WNBA player Nneka Ogwumike, who serves as president of the WNBA players’ union.
