The world of women’s basketball has been rapidly evolving in the past few years and it isn’t stopping anytime soon. With its growing popularity in America, two of the top players currently in the WNBA, Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, have created their own basketball league: The Unrivaled League which is unlike any other basketball league before. As a 3 on 3 women’s basketball league, Unrivaled is focused on player spotlight and the true nature of the game.
But what exactly makes it so different? Unlike other 3 on 3 leagues, games are played on a compressed 70 by 50 full court instead of a usual half court consistent with 3 on 3 play. Additionally, the players who make up this league are one of the most attractive and unique factors of the league. Consisting of six teams, the league brings together 36 of the best women’s basketball players in the world to come together and compete for the title. For the first time ever, audiences can see star WNBA players who have historically played against each other, compete together on the same side of the ball. Not only does this play a significant role in viewership, but it also heavily influences free agency for many of these WNBA players as they are looking for their new home at the start of May.
Equally if not more important, the players in the league are finally getting the attention they deserve. With talks within the W about player salaries and gender gaps, Unrivaled is setting the record for the highest average salaries in women’s sports history. However, the amenities don’t stop there. In Miami where their headquarters is located, players can enjoy world-class luxuries such as state-of-the-art training facilities, recovery rooms, and childcare as well for players who are also mothers.
The games started on January 17th and will continue till March 17th when the finals take place. During their three-month season, one week in February has been set aside for the first 1 on 1 tournament.This tournament has been made with the intention of crowning the best 1 on 1 player in women’s basketball. Just another feature of the league that helps to showcase the skills of these talented women’s basketball players and set the league apart from others.
Lastly, unlike in previous years, when many WNBA stars would go overseas to play in the offseason, with the development of this league, players no longer felt the need to leave the country to play. This is most likely in light of Brittney Griner’s recent incarceration in Russia when she was traveling to play for her team located there. She was charged for 9 years in a labor camp on a charge of vape cartridges of cannabis possession; however, she only served 10 months due to her prison exchange. With this infamous story of her incarceration, it was clear that women’s basketball players in America needed a different solution to their offseason problems. Unrivaled is the perfect answer as it not only showcases high level competition, but also completes all sides of women’s basketball. Unrivaled will truly be changing the perspective of women’s basketball in America for years to come.
