MIAMI — The new professional women’s basketball league, Unrivaled, is set to make its debut this Friday with a thrilling 3-on-3 format. Six teams will vie for the championship title in this innovative competition. Here’s everything you need to know about the league’s operations, game locations, and how to catch the action.
The Unrivaled season spans from this Friday until March 17, coinciding with mostly Friday, Saturday, and Monday matchups. Fans can look for live broadcasts of two games each night on TNT or TruTV. The studio show during the broadcasts will be hosted by renowned basketball analyst and former WNBA star, Candace Parker.
This league features 36 prominent WNBA players divided into six teams, with each squad consisting of six athletes. Unrivaled was brought to life by WNBA All-Stars and Olympic gold medalists Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, both of whom are participating in the league. Fans can expect to see other notable players such as Sabrina Ionescu, Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, Angel Reese, and Arike Ogunbowale showcase their talents.
Financially, the league is providing significant incentives, with nearly all players earning salaries exceeding $100,000. In fact, the average salary in this league marks the highest in the history of women’s sports leagues, supported by a salary pool of over $8 million. Additionally, players will receive an equity share in the league. To further highlight their competitive spirit, Unrivaled will host a 1-on-1 tournament in February, offering a grand prize of $250,000 for the winner, while each teammate on the winning player’s squad will also garner $10,000.
Unrivaled games will unfold in a newly built 850-seat arena located in Miami. The teams, including the Laces, Mist, Rose, Lunar Owls, Phantom, and Vinyl, will participate on a condensed court measuring 72 feet long and 49.2 feet wide—smaller than regulation WNBA courts, which are 22 feet longer and slightly wider.
Competition within Unrivaled will feature three seven-minute quarters, followed by a fourth quarter without a set time limit. Teams will aim for a “winning score,” which is derived by adding 11 points to the team leading after three quarters. For instance, should Team X lead 60-55 after three quarters, the first team to reach 71 points will claim victory. Alex Bazzell, the President of Unrivaled, emphasized the importance of a definitive game-winning shot in every matchup, removing any ambiguity about what teams need to achieve as the games progress.
In terms of foul rules, only one free throw will be taken for shooting fouls, with the value of the free throw matching the point value of the attempted shot. For instance, a successful free throw after a foul on a 3-point attempt would count as three points. An 18-second shot clock will also be implemented, shorter than the standard 24 seconds used in the WNBA, and it will pause after made baskets during the final 30 seconds of any quarter.
Players are not just focused on the games but are also enjoying a luxury experience. The Unrivaled facility boasts a state-of-the-art weight room, glam facilities, and content creation spaces, with a personal chef available on-site. Each player receives complimentary housing in a two-bedroom apartment and rental cars, ensuring comfort off the court.
Rae Burrell, a player for the Los Angeles Sparks, expressed her satisfaction with the accommodations, noting how well the facility meets their needs, including always having stocked snacks and meals available.
With its unique structure and high-profile players, Unrivaled aims to redefine women’s professional basketball and captivate sports fans across the country.
