MIAMI — The newly launched 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, Unrivaled, made a spectacular debut on its opening night. Co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, the league kicked off on Friday with a competitive opening match that showcased the talents of its star players. Stewart made history by scoring the first basket ever for the league with a baseline jumper, but Collier’s team ultimately triumphed in the inaugural game with an 84-80 comeback victory. Collier remarked on the significance of the game, expressing her excitement about the showcase it provided for the league’s potential.
The concept for this innovative domestic league was developed over the past few years, culminating in this momentous occasion. Stewart expressed her anticipation for the event, noting the extensive efforts that went into preparing for the launch and how the buzz around opening night was palpable. She highlighted the hard work they had invested both on and off the court leading up to this debut.
Unrivaled features an impressive roster of 36 elite players from the WNBA, including notable names like Brittney Griner and the highly praised rookie Angel Reese, who quickly became a fan favorite during the event. Attendees braved light rain to enjoy various activities set up outside the venue, which included a basketball shooting challenge and other engaging experiences.
One fan, Charlene Lewis, who traveled from Maryland to attend the games, praised the innovative spirit that Collier and Stewart have brought to women’s basketball. She expressed her enthusiasm for being part of what felt like a historic moment in the sport, given the league’s fresh concept and approach.
The opening night took place in an intimate venue in Miami that was constructed in roughly six weeks and accommodates around 850 spectators. The seating arrangement allows fans to be just 30 feet away from the action, creating an engaging atmosphere where cheers erupted for nearly every play, irrespective of team allegiance. The matches were held on a court shorter than the traditional WNBA court, yet featured full-court 3-on-3 action.
Chelsea Gray, a player for the team Rose, described the importance of maintaining intensity throughout the game due to the fewer players on the court. The match format consisted of three seven-minute quarters, followed by a fourth quarter played to a “winning score,” set as 11 points beyond the leading team’s score after three quarters. The atmosphere intensified notably during this final quarter.
In the first game of the evening, Stewart’s team, the Mist, held a 73-67 advantage heading into the final quarter. However, Skylar Diggins-Smith led the Lunar Owls’ charge to overcome that deficit, scoring vital consecutive three-pointers, including the decisive shot that secured the win. After the game-winner dropped, she celebrated exuberantly on center court. Diggins-Smith declared the night’s atmosphere electric, emphasizing the significance of the victory.
Jewell Loyd led the scoring for the Mist with 30 points, while Collier contributed 27 points for the Lunar Owls in a thrilling contest. In the subsequent game, Rhyne Howard starred for Vinyl with 33 points, leading her team to a 79-73 victory against Rose, after holding a 67-58 lead entering the fourth quarter. Angel Reese had a commendable performance as well, recording 10 points and 14 rebounds for Rose.
Lisa Leslie, an analyst for the broadcasts on TNT and TruTV, reflected on her experience at the dawn of the WNBA and remarked on the high-caliber environment now presented to female athletes in this new league. She emphasized the significant advancements compared to her beginnings, stating the improved facilities now available to women’s basketball players—a first-class experience by all measures.
Pregame introductions had an All-Star Game flair, with players emerging from the center stage surrounded by smoke effects. Stewart and Collier posed for photos at half court alongside league commissioner Micky Lawler, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere of the night.
The excitement around the opening night was reflected in ticket prices that soared close to $500 on the secondary market, with premium seating reaching as high as $727. Notable attendees included former U.S. women’s national soccer team captain Alex Morgan, ex-NBA star Steve Nash, and WNBA player Nneka Ogwumike, who heads the WNBA players’ union.
