Full Breakdown
Unrivaled Expands to Eight Teams Ahead of Second Season
9/11/2025, 12:43:26 AM
Expansion Announcement and Structure
The 3-on-3 women's basketball league Unrivaled, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is set to expand from six to eight teams for its second season in January 2026. The new franchises, Breeze Basketball Club and Hive Basketball Club, will increase the total number of players in the league from 36 to 54, including a dedicated development player pool of six athletes. This decision comes after the league's inaugural season exceeded financial and viewership expectations, prompting a faster growth trajectory than initially planned.
Financial Success and Valuation
Unrivaled recently announced a valuation of $340 million following a successful Series B investment round. The league generated approximately $30 million in revenue during its first season, which was double the projected figures. The average salary for players in the inaugural season was around $222,000, and salaries are expected to rise in the upcoming season. Unrivaled's financial success is attributed to a six-year, $100 million media rights deal with TNT, alongside significant sponsorships.
Schedule Changes and Player Development
To accommodate the expansion, Unrivaled will introduce a fourth game night each week, eliminating back-to-back games that were part of the previous season's schedule. This adjustment aims to reduce player fatigue and injuries, as highlighted by league president Alex Bazzell, who noted the importance of player well-being. The development player pool will consist of WNBA players on rookie contracts, providing them with training opportunities and potential game time if rostered players are injured.
Player Signings and Future Prospects
Among the notable signings for the upcoming season is Paige Bueckers, the 2025 WNBA first overall pick, who will earn more in her first year with Unrivaled than in her entire WNBA rookie contract. While there is ongoing interest in attracting top talent like Caitlin Clark and A'ja Wilson, Bazzell indicated that there is currently no active dialogue with these players. However, he emphasized that Unrivaled is open to welcoming the best players in the world.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the league's rapid growth, some observers view the expansion as a strategic move amid potential labor unrest in the WNBA, where collective bargaining negotiations are ongoing. Critics argue that the expansion could serve as leverage for players seeking alternatives to the WNBA, particularly if a work stoppage occurs.
Official Statements
Alex Bazzell stated, “Expanding a year earlier than planned is a testament to the strong business model we’ve built and the potential Unrivaled has for long-term success.” He further emphasized the league's commitment to creating a sustainable environment for players, noting, “We’re on a mission to try to create a billion-dollar league, and we have to continue to grow.”
What's Next
As Unrivaled prepares for its second season, player announcements and roster details are expected to be revealed by the end of September. The league aims to maintain its momentum and continue attracting top talent while providing a competitive platform for women's basketball during the WNBA offseason.
