Unrivaled has arrived!
The three-on-three league established by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier was developed in collaboration with leading figures in women’s basketball. Unrivaled provides 36 female athletes with a professional basketball opportunity in the United States during the WNBA off-season. Other options include Athletes Unlimited, a separate five-on-five league, or playing overseas.
“Success can be many things, importantly the player experience was the best one possible,” Stewart said. “It being the first year, there are a lot of moving parts happening, trying to make sure everything is top notch. From a business perspective, making profit in year one.”
The total salary pool for players is $8 million, with the average salary exceeding $222,000. Additionally, inaugural players will possess equity in the league.
Key Information to Consider:
Full – Court 3 on 3, 70 x 50 feet (5 on 5 regulation is 94 x 50)
6 clubs with 6 players each
Opening night: January 17
Games will be broadcast on TNT and TruTV, while streams can be found on Max.
Final day of regular season: March 10
Semifinals: March 16
Finals: March 17
The pool of 36 players has been organized into six teams, which will compete against each other in a round-robin format over the course of nine weeks. The top four teams at the conclusion of the regular season will advance to the playoffs, where they will compete to determine the champion.
“Coming to Unrivaled, I knew what to expect,” Angel Reese said. “High standards from the top to bottom, I would stay here forever. Everything I need is here. Being able to be here and value women, it is important right now with the growth of women’s basketball.”
In this article, I will provide an initial assessment of each roster and present my prediction for the champion of this esteemed league.
Phantom BC
Head coach: Adam Harrington
Roster: Natasha Cloud (Mercury), Brittney Griner (Mercury-unsigned), Sabrina Ionescu (Liberty), Marina Mabrey (Sun), Satou Sabally (Wings- unsigned), Katie Lou Samuelson (Fever)
The versatility of this roster is such that each player is fully capable of fulfilling a range of responsibilities. We recognize the impactful interior presence that Griner provides, and she also demonstrates impressive passing ability. We are well aware of the shooting and playmaking skills that Ionescu contributes on the court. Cloud is an exceptional defender who has successfully guarded a diverse array of player types. The 6’4″ Sabally has earned the nickname “unicorn” due to her unique combination of size, athleticism, and ball-handling skills. When healthy, Samuelson significantly enhances the team’s effectiveness with her length and height.
Mist BC
Head Coach: Phil Handy
Roster: DiJonai Carrington (Sun – unsigned), Aaliyah Edwards (Mystics), Rickea Jackson (Sparks), Jewell Loyd (Storm), Breanna Stewart (Liberty-unsigned), Courtney Vandersloot (Liberty- unsigned)
Defending WNBA champion Breanna Stewart is a key member of this team, accompanied by Rickea Jackson. Jackson is an exceptionally proficient scorer, particularly notable given her height of 6’2″. It will be important to monitor her shooting range and defensive capabilities. Additionally, Edwards has already established herself as an effective screen-and-roll player with the ability to drive to the basket. Loyd has a remarkable history of collaboration with Stewart, and their combined scoring abilities, along with Stewart’s versatility, are impressive. The addition of Carrington, recognized as one of the league’s premier defenders and a strong driver, further enhances the team’s overall strengths.
Lunar Owls BC
Head Coach: DJ Sackmann
Roster: Shakira Austin (Mystics), Cameron Brink (Sparks; out with Torn ACL), Napheesa Collier (Lynx), Skylar Diggins-Smith (Storm), Allisha Gray (Dream), Courtney Williams (Lynx)
This is an exceptional team in the league. If Cameron had not been injured, they could possibly be considered the best. With the defensive pressure and quick hands of Diggins-Smith and Gray, combined with the versatility of Collier, this year’s deserving Defensive Player of the Year, and Austin, the Lunar Owls possess the capability to effectively challenge any offense they encounter. Each player on the roster has the proficiency to capitalize on open three-point opportunities; however, it may be difficult to identify a player that opponents are particularly fearful of. Collier is adept at scoring from all three levels, Gray can consistently create opportunities in the paint, and Austin serves as both an effective screening partner and possesses skills that could be advantageous in a three-on-three setting.
Laces BC
Head Coach: Andrew Wade
Roster: Stefanie Dolson (Mystics), Tiffany Hayes (Aces – unsigned), Kate Martin (Valkyries), Kayla McBride (Lynx), Alyssa Thomas (Sun – unsigned), Jackie Young (Aces)
This team is the sleeper team who demonstrates significant potential, particularly with Thomas and Dolson, who bring considerable experience in high post positions. The combination of Young, McBride, Hayes, and Martin offers strong off-ball movement and a proactive approach to finding open spaces. Given the anticipated high level of defensive switching, it is reasonable to expect this group to effectively exploit opposing defenses through strategic slips and cuts.
Vinyl BC
Head Coach: Teresa Weatherspoon
Roster: Aliyah Boston (Fever), Rae Burrell (Sparks), Jordin Canada (Dream), Dearica Hamby (Sparks), Rhyne Howard (Dream), Arike Ogunbowale (Wings)
The backcourt demonstrates impressive speed with Ogunbowale and Canada leading the way. Howard and Burrell excel in transition, consistently making themselves available for three-point shots when the opportunity arises. Hamby is a notable threat in fast breaks and readily engages in handoff plays if an immediate scoring chance does not materialize. Few players in the league exhibit the same end-to-end capability as Boston, who also excels at creating effective seals against off-balance defenders. Boston possesses strong passing ability, and her talent is likely to be highlighted in this conducive environment. Enhancing her ball-handling skills could further elevate her game, and I hope she is given the opportunity to explore this aspect.
Rose BC
Head Coach: Nola Henry
Roster: Kahleah Copper (Mercury), Chelsea Gray (Aces), Lexie Hull (Fever), Angel Reese (Sky), Azurá Stevens (Sparks), Brittney Sykes (Mystics)
This team is highly competitive and demonstrates a strong determination to succeed. Head coach Nola Henry emphasized this mindset during her media availability earlier this week, highlighting the team’s tenacity. Players Copper and Gray are particularly impactful and can make significant contributions with their skillful drives and pull-up jumpers. Additionally, managing Reese on both the offensive and defensive boards presents a considerable challenge. Sykes and Hull are known for their aggressive defensive style, effectively disrupting opponents’ offensive flow. Even Stevens, who often exudes a cheerful demeanor off the court, is ready to engage physically when challenged. The development of Angel Reese is expected to draw considerable attention; having made a remarkable debut last season, her ability to navigate space on both ends of the court may offer valuable insights into her potential in the upcoming W season.
Prediction on Unrivaled champion:
A’ja Wilson is a highly regarded player who opted not to participate in Unrivaled. The prospect of both Wilson and Stewart competing in this league could have showcased their remarkable performances over the past two seasons in the WNBA. Stewart is here crown her team Mist BC the champions.
Photos/Unrivaled/X
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