Full Breakdown
Unrivaled Achieves $340 Million Valuation Following Series B Investment
9/9/2025, 12:20:00 AM
Overview of Unrivaled's Growth and Valuation
Unrivaled, a women's professional 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, has announced a valuation of $340 million following a successful Series B investment round. This valuation marks a tenfold increase from its initial worth of $95 million just a year ago. The funding round, which closed recently, was led by Bessemer Venture Partners and included notable investors such as Serena Ventures, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Alex Morgan’s Trybe Ventures.
Key Investors and Financial Milestones
The Series B round attracted a diverse group of investors, including NBA players Trae Young and the Wagner brothers, Franz and Moritz, as well as sports executive Sam Rapoport and University of Maryland president Darryll J. Pines. Unrivaled has now raised over $61 million across three funding rounds, including a $28 million Series A round last December. The league's financial success is underscored by its revenue of approximately $30 million in its inaugural season, which was double the initial projections.
Player Compensation and Equity
Unrivaled has positioned itself as a competitive alternative to the WNBA by offering its players substantial salaries and equity stakes in the league. The average salary for players in the inaugural season was approximately $222,222, surpassing WNBA pay. Players also received around 15% equity in the league, a figure expected to increase with the new funding. Notably, Paige Bueckers, a rising star, signed a three-year deal that pays more than her entire WNBA rookie contract.
Operational Developments and Future Plans
As Unrivaled prepares for its second season, set to begin in January 2026, the league is focused on expanding its facilities in Miami. Plans include adding 15,000 square feet for player amenities and increasing seating capacity from 850 to over 1,000. Unrivaled aims to enhance its operational capabilities by hiring additional staff, including trainers and chefs, to support player development.
Criticism and Relationship with the WNBA
Despite its success, Unrivaled's emergence has complicated its relationship with the WNBA, particularly amid ongoing labor negotiations between the WNBA and its players. Unrivaled offers an alternative for players who typically seek overseas contracts during the WNBA offseason. However, the absence of WNBA or NBA owners among Unrivaled's investors has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the league's long-term relationship with established women's basketball organizations.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
Alex Bazzell, president of Unrivaled, expressed optimism about the league's trajectory, stating, “We believe Unrivaled is building the next great sports league.” He emphasized the importance of taking investment when not in immediate need, allowing for strategic growth without pressure. The league's innovative model, centered on athlete advocacy and engagement, positions it as a significant player in the evolving landscape of women's sports.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The valuation for us at this point is great,” — Alex Bazzell, President of Unrivaled
- “Napheesa and Breanna [Stewart, the other co-founder] went live on SportsCenter before we had a dollar raise. It took a lot of courage because it could flop. But where we’re at now, we have to say no to a lot of people who want to invest.” — Alex Bazzell, President of Unrivaled
- “athlete-driven models can thrive at the highest levels of business.” — Alex Bazzell, President of Unrivaled
Unrivaled's rapid growth and substantial valuation reflect the increasing momentum and interest in women's sports, setting the stage for a promising future as it heads into its second season.
