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4mo ago

Unrivaled 3v3 Basketball League Launches to Strong Viewership and Player Praise

The new women's basketball league, co-founded by WNBA stars, combines competitive play, innovative rules, and player-centric resources to reshape the sport.

Rae Burrell (12) of the Vinyl battles for possession with Lexie Hull (10) and Angel Reese (5) of the Rose during the first half of the Unrivaled women’s professional 3v3 basketball league at Wayfair Arena.
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Kahleah Copper #2 of Rose drives to the net against the Vinyl during the second half at The Mediapro Studio on January 17, 2025 in Medley, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Unrivaled, a 3v3 women's basketball league co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, debuted on January 17, 2025, with six teams and 36 WNBA players participating.
  • The league features unique rules, including a smaller court, shorter quarters, and a target-score fourth quarter, ensuring every game ends with a game-winning shot.
  • The inaugural weekend attracted over 3 million viewers across TNT and TruTV, with peak viewership reaching 364,000, surpassing many WNBA and NWSL broadcasts.
  • Unrivaled prioritizes player experience with top-tier facilities, childcare, and salaries averaging over $200,000, offering players a domestic alternative to overseas leagues.
  • While the debut received widespread acclaim, some analysts called for more balanced commentary and constructive criticism during broadcasts to enhance the league's growth.