Full Breakdown
Paige Bueckers Joins Unrivaled for 2026 Season
9/23/2025, 2:14:12 PM
Unrivaled's Expansion and Player Signings
Unrivaled, the women's professional 3-on-3 basketball league, has announced the addition of WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers among several other players for its 2026 season. Bueckers, who signed a three-year deal with Unrivaled in April, also became an investor in the league. Reports indicate that her salary for the 10-week Unrivaled season will surpass what she would earn in four years under her WNBA rookie contract, which was $78,831 for her first season with the Dallas Wings. Bueckers had an impressive rookie year, averaging 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals, setting the single-game rookie scoring record with 44 points.
Alongside Bueckers, Saniya Rivers, the eighth pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and Erica Wheeler of the Seattle Storm will also join Unrivaled for the first time. Returning players include Alyssa Thomas, Rickea Jackson, and Satou Sabally. The league is expanding to include two new teams, the Hive and the Breeze, and will feature a total of 54 players. The season is set to begin on January 5, 2026, in Miami.
Financial Implications and League Growth
Unrivaled has seen significant financial growth, achieving a valuation of $340 million in September 2025. The average salary for players in the league is projected to remain in the six-figure range, with last season's average at approximately $222,222. League president Alex Bazzell emphasized the need for roster expansion to accommodate the influx of talent, stating, "If we didn't expand rosters, there were going to be All-Stars [wanting to join] who we didn't have space for."
Criticism and Support for Unrivaled
While many view Unrivaled as a positive development for women's basketball, some critics express concerns about its competition with the WNBA. Cameron Brink, a player in the league, believes both organizations can coexist and contribute to the sport's growth. Bueckers herself has highlighted the importance of investing in women's sports, stating, "Even the first year [of Unrivaled], the numbers were shocking. They just blew it out of the water."
Verbatim Quotes
What's Next for Unrivaled
As player announcements continue through October 1, the full roster of 48 players will be revealed. The league aims to establish itself as a premier destination for top female basketball talent, with the season set to tip off in January 2026. Bueckers' participation is expected to draw significant attention, further elevating the league's profile.
