MEDLEY, Fla. — Chelsea Gray stepped into the Unrivaled women’s 3-on-3 basketball league with determination, aiming to prove herself after facing challenges in the previous year. The accomplished Las Vegas Aces guard was sidelined due to a foot injury during the 2023 WNBA finals, leaving her feeling underestimated by some. However, Unrivaled’s inaugural season presented an opportunity for Gray to showcase her talents and erase doubts.
Reflecting on her struggles, Gray expressed, “Last year was tough. Even after returning to the WNBA, I wasn’t at my best. My focus was on training hard, and I chose to speak through my achievements.” This perspective was validated as Gray was named the playoff MVP following her team’s stunning victory in the Unrivaled finals, where Rose BC vanquished Vinyl. Gray averaged an impressive 28.5 points over the two postseason games, including a standout 39-point performance in the semifinals.
In line with Unrivaled’s mission to significantly compensate its players, each member of the champion team received $50,000. Co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the league aims to set a precedent in women’s sports by offering the highest average salaries, with many athletes earning six figures.
On Monday night, Brittney Sykes contributed 21 points for Rose, ultimately securing her team’s victory with a crucial free throw after drawing an and-1 on the final play. Unrivaled’s games incorporate three seven-minute quarters and an untimed fourth, with a “winning score” determined by adding 11 points to the leader’s total after three quarters. On this occasion, Sykes’ free throw brought Rose to the target score of 62, ending Vinyl’s challenge. Gray shone with 18 points and eight assists, while Azura Stevens bolstered the team with 19 points and 18 rebounds. Rhyne Howard was outstanding for Vinyl, scoring 22 points and capturing six rebounds.
Although Rose lacked one of their key players, Angel Reese, sidelined by a hand injury, they triumphed in the playoffs. Unrivaled featured six teams comprising 36 of the top WNBA athletes across an eight-week regular season, marked by numerous unforgettable performances. For instance, the Chicago Sky’s rookie star Reese delivered an unprecedented 20-point, 20-rebound feat on February 21. Washington Mystics’ rookie Aaliyah Edwards excelled in the league’s midseason 1-on-1 tournament, unseating Mist teammate Stewart in a major upset.
Gray’s dominance was evident in the semifinals, highlighted by her 39-point game and deciding three-pointer that propelled Rose to victory against the Laces. Another notable event involved Dearica Hamby’s Vinyl squad, which shocked Unrivaled MVP Collier’s favored Owls in the semifinals, sealed by Hamby’s game-winning layup over Collier.
The league’s Commissioner, Micky Lawler, expressed satisfaction with the inaugural season and hinted at potential expansion beyond Miami in the future. With over 20 players already signed for the next two seasons, President Alex Bazzell emphasized ongoing improvements and growth prospects.
The league’s debut drew many luminaries to Miami, with the likes of Olympic gold medalist A’ja Wilson, Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade, and tennis star Frances Tiafoe attending the finals. Throughout the season, icons such as comedian Wanda Sykes, soccer star Alex Morgan, and former NBA All-Star Steve Nash were among the esteemed spectators.
Prior to its debut, Unrivaled secured over $35 million through diverse investors, including NBA star Stephen Curry and coaching legend Geno Auriemma, highlighting its solid foundation and promising future.
